Kiss and Make-Up

Don't Forget to Enter!

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:01:00 +0000

It's your last chance to enter, so do it now! I'm giving away two sets of fake lashes from Revlon (plus a little extra something-something to my winners). Click here to enter!

I'll be posting a review of these babies tomorrow (thanks to my sister's friend, Lindsey) but here's a peek: She loved them and you're going to want to make sure you enter.

Do it now!

Ch-Ch-Ch Changes!

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

I did it. I bite the bullet, gave in to my pre-meditated insanity, and had my stylist chop off my hair.

And why not?

As I told her (the wonderful Carsyn at the Mill Creek Split Ends Salon), what's the worst that can happen? The worst case scenario would be having my head shaved, but that didn't happen. No. Instead I got a crazy hair cut that is going to be super easy to maintain and that can be fancy or trendy.

I haven't had super short hair since I was in high school. It's an adjustment, but I don't hate it. In fact, I think it's kind of fun. Here's my new do...sorry for the bad iPhone photo. I look a little crazy, but that's ok. Crazy suits me!

Pretty, Pretty for the Holidays

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Halloween's now just a memory, so it's now "not too early" to start thinking about the holidays--especially when we get to look at beautiful lines of products. And speaking of beautiful, check out what NARS is offering up this holiday season.

Toasting the year and its 15^th anniversary, NARS is celebrating with red-hot holiday-packaged gifting that boast a variety of products. Below are the highlights:

15^th ANNIVERSARY PALETTES- $75.00 each

NARS introduces two palettes to celebrate 15 years of color innovation.

Everlasting Love contains intense eye hues to create the perfect smoky eye and Wild at Heart featuring bold lip shades for a deeply pigmented pout.

PLEIN ETÈ MINI MULTIPLE SET– $45.00

An exclusive set of mini Multiples boasting three best-selling shades.

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS MINI NAIL KIT- $30.00

The perfect gift for any stocking, this miniature collection includes four glamorously festive shades: Arabesque, Chinatown, Candy Darling and Saratoga

D. LOVELY LIP GLOSS DUO SET- $45.00

Four smaller versions of the successful Duo Lip Gloss in a variety of mix and match shades: Misbehave/All Night Long, Pillow Talk/Sandpiper, Orgasm/Chihuahua, and Greek Holiday/Stolen Kisses.

The Holiday 2009 gift sets and palettes are currently available at narscosmetics.com and the Plein Etè Mini Multiple Set is available exclusively at Sephora

I love NARS products. They have rich, dynamic shades and high quality products. Their packaging even feels good! As for their holiday line: wow! You could almost close your eyes and pick--they all look great!

New Uses for Beauty Tools!

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Life happens. And so do fashion and beauty blunders. We leave the house with too much blush on, deodorant stains on our black t-shirts, fake eyelashes dangling from our perfectly made-up faces – the list goes on and on. Forgo common disasters and refine your inner recessionista by thinking outside the box with your beauty products. The good folks over at Ms. Manicure have some lessons in how to fix fashion fiascos with these multi-functional nail products:

Don’t worry about hand washing your favorite sweaters anymore. Solve your pilling problems with Ms. Pedicure’s Rock ‘n Sole ($1.99). By rubbing this dry pumice stone over sweaters, the little fuzzies that cause so much distress will be gone. Make sure to lay the clothing on a flat surface before gently stroking the fabric with the stone. Keep the stone clean and dry for future use!

Scared your eyelashes might fall off into your dinner plate a la the last date you went on? Give them extra security by applying them with the tweezers from Ms. Manicure‘s Handy Dandy Mani kit ($9.99). First, let lash glue sit for 30 to 60 seconds prior to using. Then, pick up individual lashes with tweezers, dip the ends in glue and securely apply them to the base of the eyelid. Make sure to coat them with mascara afterwards for extra protection!

Spill something on your new suede boots? You might not have to head for the shoe store for another pair just yet. Grab an emery board, like Ms. Manicure’s Call Your Buff ($2.99), and lightly rub the stain. Use the soft, buffer side of this four-sided board to ensure that your boots don’t get damaged in the process. Then, hold the shoe over steam from a boiling pot (or teakettle) on the stove to completely remove it. This works for suede clothing as well!

For a list of retailers and to check out other recession-friendly products, visit www.msmanicure.com and www.mspedicure.com.

New Bare Escentuals Today on QVC

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:14:00 +0000

I just got this message, so I'm a little late for the first showing. However, I thought you might be interested in hearing about this. Bare Escentuals is launching a brand new line today on QVC. It's called Beautiful in Pearls. The line blends the depth and texture reminiscent of fine pearls into cosmetics and each shade in the collection matches a hue of pearls on the “Beautiful in Pearls” necklace created by Honora.

Again, it airs November 7th at noon, 4pm and 10pm ET or you can shop online at Bare Escentuals on QVC.

I'll try to track down more info on this line and will get it to you soon. Until then, head over to QVC and check it out if you're a Bare Escentuals fan!

Decisions, Decisions!

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

I've had a wild thought race through my mind lately: What if I chop off my hair?

I'm not entirely sure what my problem is, but I am growing increasingly tired of my long, boring hair. I know I need to cut it. After all, it's just hanging there, looking overly blonde and lacking any real style. But here's the thing I'm trying to figure out: How short do I want to go?

Part of me says GO FOR IT! Cut it off and go crazy. If I did, here are two looks I'm digging.

Then part of me says sure, cut it, but don't do anything rash. Get a nice, easy to care for mid-length 'do. Kind of like this.

I'm so confused!

I had short hair--really short, like boy short--when I was younger. I was in my last year of high school and wanted a new look. I kept my super short locks for awhile, but then my hair grew out and I've been at various lengths of medium to long hair ever since.

My hubby's hair is insanely long. It's almost always longer than mine no matter how long I let my locks grow out. He doesn't care what I do with my hair, and in my opinion he shouldn't really have a say anyway.

I was in the salon last month getting my hair colored and this woman came in saying she wanted something easy to take care of, that her kids wouldn't pull at, but something that made her look pretty. Then she said, "But my husband doesn't like short hair, so it has to be at my shoulders." I felt like telling her that it's her hair, not her husband's and that she should cut it anyway she wanted.

Anyway, I pose this to you: how do you feel about drastic makeovers? And how much weight should a spouse or partner's opinion have in deciding your style?

Beat the Winter Blahs

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

I've lived on the West Coast for 10 years now. When I first moved out here, I used to laugh at the locals who complained about the "cold" when it was 50 degrees out and felt it necessary to bundle up under layer after layer of heavy winter clothes as soon as September became a memory.

My how things have changed. In my 10 years here, I have found that I, too, am a weather wimp. And now that Daylight Saving Time has come to an end--and Halloween is just a haunting memory--I find myself dreading the winter and all that comes with it: cold weather, possible snow, dry skin, chapped lips, static-filled hair.

Well, the good folks over at Women's Health (and in their book Age Erasers for Women) have some tips for all of us as we get ready for upcoming (or already here!) winter weather. Here you go--be sure to add your thoughts by leaving a comment!

Skin

Not only does dry skin cause a lackluster complexion, it also keeps hydrating lotion from keeping your skin moist. Get rid of excess dry skin with a body wash with exfoliant and also a gentle exfoliating face wash.
Because dry skin causes fine lines to be more visible, make sure you’re using a thicker face lotion with firming benefits.

Makeup

Winter is the time to forget the foundation which tends to settle into dry areas on skin giving your complexion a patchy look. Instead, camouflage dark circles with a light-diffusing concealer.
The skin around your eyes is delicate and prone to dryness and windburn. Try using a sheer indigo blue or emerald eye shadow to downplay redness, and apply with a damp brush to help it stay put longer.

Hair

Because the minerals in tap water and detergents in shampoo can cause your scalp to itch and flake, now is the time to skip the shampoo. Try a dry shampoo on your roots which will absorb the extra oil and you can comb out in the morning.
Inflate your drab winter hair by adding volumizing mousse to your styling routine.

Body

If you’ve been considering laser hair removal, now is the time to do it. Because your hair and skin will have more contrast as your summer glow is gone, the treatment will be more effective.
During the holiday season, cosmetics counters are crammed full of gift sets that go on sale afterwards. This gives you the perfect excuse to find those fragrances you’ve been meaning to test.

Check out all the blah-beating beauty tips here

Fake It With Revlon!

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Just a few weeks ago I was researching fake eyelashes in response to a question from a reader. As luck would have it, I found out that Revlon has recently put out several new false eyelashes, available in drugstores. And even better, they sent over a few sets for me to try.

I'm having a friend of my sister test a set and I'll be getting a report back from her soon. But in the meantime, let me tell you a little bit about what Revlon has to offer. There are several styles of glue-on eyelashes available for those who prefer to use glue. For those who want something a little easier to apply, Revlon’s self-adhesive eyelashes are perfect! They require no messy glue, are very easy to apply, and are latex-free, which means they’re gentle on the eyes. Styles range from natural to glamorous, so you can choose the eyelash that completes the look you’re going for. What's even better is that they'll only set you back about $5.50.

But wait! Do YOU want to try out Revlon's Fantasy Lengths lashes? Well, now's your chance to do so for free! Leave me a comment (be sure to include a way for me to get a hold of you!) and two lucky readers will get a set of lashes to try out. Good luck! Please be sure to enter by next Wednesday, November 11th. Winners will be announced on November 12th.

A Note About November

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0000

It's Monday: A new week. It's also a new month...November. November has become a funny month for me. It's a miserably dark month, but it's also my writing month.

Like thousands of otherwise sane people, I take part in NaNoWriMo--National Novel Writing Month. In the 30 days of November, I have to start and finish a novel of at least 50,000 words. I did this challenge last year and blew past my 50K goal with no problem. This year, I fear things may be different. I'm in a funny head-space lately, and I'm not particularly organized for my 50K word journey.

So...if there is a longer lag between posts here at Kiss and Makeup this month, I apologize in advance. I'm going to be glued to my laptop (if things are going well!) or I'll be pulling my hair out, agonizing over my budding novel. But I'm going to do my damnedest not to neglect the wonderful world of beauty blogging. Bare with me...things will be back to normal (whatever THAT is!) by December 1st. And who knows? Maybe you won't even notice my stress here. Ha!

Anyway, keep stopping by because I do have plenty to write about. I've been trying out tons of new products and (I hate to say this) Christmas is coming, so there's a lot of great beauty stuff headed our way!

Wish me luck--I'm off to slay word count dragons!

Skin Care 101: Acne-Prone Skin

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Note: All week this week I'll be featuring tips on how to deal with different skin types. Info from Allure and many other sources. If you have anything to add--a favorite product or great hint--please be sure to leave a comment!

Acne prone skin isn't just for teenagers. No matter how old you are, acne flare ups can be painful and can make you feel less than beautiful. There are thousands of anti-acne products on the market. Here are some tips in treating your skin.

Wash your face morning and night. Look for products that are specific for fighting acne. Cleansers containing 2% salicylic acid will keep your pores clear.
Treat your skin. After washing, let your skin dry completely. Then apply a salicylic acid treatment to your entire face once a day.
Moisturize...even though you think you shouldn't. Be sure to use a moisturizer that is labeled as "non-comedogenic"--this means it won't clog your pores. And since anti-acne treatments cause sun sensitivity, be sure to use products containing at least SPF 30. Every day.
Treat zits at night. Products with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide will reduce acne causing bacterias. Don't do crazy things like dotting toothpaste on your pimples--that won't help. Instead use products designed to zap your zits.
Avoid abrasive products. Grainy exfoliators can rupture your pimples which may make them last longer. This can also lead to some scarring. Instead, use a mask with sulfur once a week to soften skin and shrink your pimples or use a more gentle exfoliant.
Use the right kinds of makeup. Look for foundations and other cosmetics that are non-comedogenic. Mineral makeups are especially good.
Don't pick your zits! Again, doing so could lead to scarring and further infection.
See a doctor if your acne is very bad or not easily treated. There are plenty of prescription products (like Retin-A) that can help you.
Be sun safe. See #3 for why.

Products to try:

Benefit Boo Boo Zap!, $20 (targeted zip-zapper that is gentle enough to use during the day)
Clinique Acne Solutions Clear Skin System, $32.50 (starter kit with cleanser, gentle exfoliator, and moisturizer, all designed to fight acne)
Dermadoctor Ain't Misbehavin Intensive Skin Correcting Sulfur Mask with Phytosphingosine, $45
Bare Escentuals Rare Minerals Blemish Therapy, $28 (contains sulfur and helps heal, seal, and prevent blemishes)

Skin Care 101: Sensitive Skin

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Thankfully, I do not have sensitive skin. If I did, it would cut down the number of products I could try out for you all! But if you have sensitive skin, trying new products--or just finding products that don't irritate your skin--can be frustrating. Here are some tips:

Read labels carefully. You'll want to avoid products containing an over abundance of chemicals. Look for products that are "fragrance free" whenever possible.
Test before you buy (if possible. If not, save your receipts!). If you have sensitive skin, you'll need to learn how to do a skin patch test. Apply a small amount of product on your arm or neck--some place not too noticeable. If a reaction occurs, don't use that product.
Wash and moisturize with care. Like dry skin sufferers, don't use a bar soap on your face. Instead, try a gentle creamy cleanser. Follow up with a moisturizer designed for sensitive skin.
You can still prevent aging. There are anti-aging products on the market for sensitive skin. You'll probably want to avoid retinols and opt for kinetin or Matrixyl (a peptide) which is must more gentle.
Combat redness and inflamed skin. If redness and inflammation are a problem. use 1% hydrocortisone cream twice a day. If any product causes redness, stop using it immediately. And if redness and irritation are especially troublesome, see a dermatologist.
Use sunscreen and be sun safe--but be sure that your sun blocking products contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide--they're less irritating than other sunscreen ingredients.

Here are some products to consider:

Philosophy Purity Made Simple, $10-$40. (My favorite creamy cleanser--gentle, soothing, and effective)
Cetaphil Daily Fragrance-Free Moisturizer, $11.50 (dermatologist recommended)
Philosophy Makeup Optional Kit for Dry/Sensitive Skin, $78 (everything you need in one box--cleanser, serum, eye cream, moisturizer, and peel)

Tomorrow: Acne-Prone Skin

Skin Care 101: Oily Skin

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Oily skin means shiny slick spots. And to combat it, products are often even more irritating since they strip away all the good oils you need in your skin. When it comes to taking care of oily skin, you need to find a balanced regime and be gentle!

Use the right face wash. Try to find something that contains 2% salicylic acid. When the weather changes and winter comes, focus the salicylic acid cleanser on your oilier spots only (like your forehead, nose, and chin), and use something milder on your cheeks.
Keep your T-Zone shine free. Avoid any toners or products containing alcohol, but feel free to use an alcohol-free salicylic acid containing toner on your t-zone only. Apply it with a cotton ball only where you have oil issues.
Don't skin the moisturizer. It may seem weird to apply moisturizer to already greasy skin, but just because your skin is oily doesn't mean you can forgo hydration. You'll want to use a very lightweight moisturizer or a matte or oil-control face primer to keep your shininess at bay.
Go easy. You may be tempted to exfoliate a lot or use harsh products, but doing so won't make your oily skin any better. If you want to give yourself a face treatment, try for a mask with salicylic acid and use it once a week. For a special treat, try an at-home peel with glycolic acid once a week (not the same day as the salicylic acid mask, of course!).
Wear your sun screen! Every day. No matter what.

Some products to consider:

DDF Salicylic Wash, $35 (therapeutic but mild facial cleanser)
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel with Pump, $24 (oil-free, light-weight moisturizer)
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner, $7.50

Up tomorrow: Sensitive Skin

Skin Care 101: Dry Skin

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Dry skin sucks. Even though I would say that I mostly have combination skin, I do get patches of dry skin on my face and body and I hate it. It feels tight, it's all flaky, and it's makes makeup application interesting. Here are some ways to combat dreaded flaky dry skin:

Wash your face twice daily, but with care. Avoid bar soaps (they only seem to suck the moisture out of your skin along with the dirt and makeup) and opt instead for a creamy cleanser that contains moisturizing agents like Vitamin E.
Exfoliate at least once a week. There are plenty of products on the market designed to gently exfoliate your skin while cleansing. Just don't be too aggressive with your exfoliation. You want to slough off some of the dead flaky skin, not rub til you're raw!
Try a weekly peel. Using a peel with lactic acid once a week will help keep your dry skin from looking dull. Be careful to avoid glycolic acid and salicylic acid--both of which may only aggravate your dry skin.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! If your skin feels really tight, try a thicker cream. To better lock in moisture, apply your moisturizer when your skin is slightly damp. And be sure to look for products like dimethicone, shea butter, glycerine, or hyaluronic acid. If you want to keep wrinkles at bay while moisturizing, try a product with retinol, but only use it a few times a week (retinol can make drying worse if you use it ever day). If retinols give you a hard time, go for a cream with kinetin or Matrixyl.
For all skin types (and yes, I am going to say this each and every day this week): be sure to wear sunscreen and be sun safe.

Here are some products to consider:

Yes to Carrots Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, $10.50 (contains lactic acid)
Kinerase Photofacials Sun Damage Reversal System Introductory Kit, $100 (contains a cleanser, day cream with SPF 50, and night cream with Matrixyl)
Regenerist Night Recovery Cream by Olay, $20 (contains peptides and other good for you products!)

Tomorrow: Oily Skin

Beauty Product of the Week: Skin Brightening Cleanser

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

What is it? Boots Botanics Skin Brightening Cleanser is a "cleanser for more radiant skin. Cleansing your face daily is the perfect opportunity to encourage cell renewal for a brighter complexion. This gentle cream not only melts away daily grime and makeup, it also helps reveal soft, radiant and healthy looking skin." Available at Target for about $7 (or less!).

What did you think? I bought this product because I was out of Purity Made Simple (from Philosophy) and needed a face wash. Since I normally really like Boots products and because I was already at Target, I picked up this cleanser.

Big mistake.

First off, I didn't use it correctly. I used it like I would a normal face wash. That is, I wet my face, pumped some product into my hand and rubbed it into my skin. I washed it off and was done. Then I read the back and learned I was supposed to "sweep (the product) over face and neck...using cotton wool. Wipe off gently." What? What the hell does that mean?

I like my skin cleanser to feel good on my skin...to gently remove dirt and makeup in a way that feels good. This did not feel good, not even when I used it correctly. And I don't think the cleanser did that good of a job cleaning. Or brightening. It was just blah all the way around.

The final verdict? Sometimes, being cheap ends up costing you more. And that's exactly what's happened here. I didn't feel like forking over the big bucks for my favorite face wash, and I went with this clunker instead. Now I have a product I'm not happy with and I still need to go out and get my Purity Made Simple. Grrr!

Trick and Treat!

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Halloween is creeping up on us and if you're planning on getting dressed up for the occasion, it's probably time to start planning out your costume. This Halloween is my sixth wedding anniversary (yes, I was a bride on Halloween back in '03...and yes, I did, in fact, wear black!) and I haven't dressed up to celebrate the day in a while.

This year, I am going to help my nephew transform into a zombie hockey player. Zombies seem to be all the rage here in the PacNW. The zombie apocalypse is a-coming!

If you need a little inspiration for your Halloween costume or hints on how to do your Halloween makeup, here are a few sites to check out:

And for all of you who come to my site in search of how to apply makeup like the members of the rock band, KISS, click over to this site to see the evolution of their Kabuki-style makeup. KISS could be a fun, easy Halloween costume for you and a few friends this year!

Since I'm a Halloween freak, be sure to leave me a comment letting me know what you're going to be this year, or what your favorite costume has been!

elf-ish Beauty

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Yes, the economy remains crappy. We're all painfully aware of that fact. Even though "they" are saying the recession is over, consumers are still feeling anxious and have yet to return to the carefree spending days of not-so-long ago. Even if you're like me and you're gainfully employed, I have little doubt that you're always looking for ways to save money. But you still want to be beautiful, and that's where e.l.f products come in hand.

While I'm still a MAC virgin (can you even believe that?!), I've finally tried a few e.l.f. (eyes lip face) products. And I must say, for $1 for their basic products to $3 for the studio and mineral lines, they're not too shabby!

Their blush is nicely packaged (somewhat reminiscent of NARS packaging) and the color is rich and flattering. Their lipgloss made my lips feel refreshed and moisturized while providing just enough color and shine.

Now, I know that super cheap cosmetics sound somewhat scary--almost too good to be true. For me, it brings up memories of Wet & Wild products from the drugstore. Others think that $1 beauty products are probably full of toxic chemicals and test on animals.

So I did a little research.

First off, e.l.f. does not test its products on animals, nor do they use products derived from animals. They're PETA approved!

I went a step further and checked out e.l.f. at the Environmental Working Group's handy-dandy cosmetic safety database, and it looks like the ingredients used by e.l.f. are no better or worse than some of the spendier brands. Here's an overall comparison from the Environmental Working Group (1 = good; 10= bad):

MAC Cosmetics: products range between 2 and 9
Bare Escentuals: products range between 1 and 6
Philosophy: products range between 1 and 9
NARS: products range between 2 and 10
Cover Girl: products range between 2 and 10
Revlon: products range between 1 and 10
e.l.f.: products range between 1 and 7

After doing my homework, I can recommend e.l.f. without too many reservations. They're cheap in price but not in quality, and right now we can all use a little savings here and there. Check it out!

Know How to Fake It!

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

One of my Twitter friends recently asked me the best way to wear false eyelashes, and I was stumped. See, I wear glasses....all the time. I hate contacts and really do prefer being a 4-eyed kind of girl. I'll admit it: I love my glasses!

I love the look of fake lashes done well. They look dramatic and fun. But to me, it seems silly to spend time and money on fake lashes since I am just going to hide them under my specs. Fake lashes have been all the rage for a few years now, and if you're looking to embrace your flirty inner diva (or if you're just getting your Halloween costume in order), here are some hints that will help you fake it to perfection:

Pick your weapon! Do you want a very full eyelash? Or do you just want to add a few falsies in with your natural lashes for a more subtle sense of glam? Do you want your lashes to be black? Neon green? Pink, with feathers? All sorts of options are out there, and all the variations will greatly affect your final look.
Prepare your beauties! Before you apply your fake lashes, take a moment to make sure they're not clumped together (you may want to gently separate your store-bought beauties with a lash comb). Now's also a good time to trim your fake lashes with a nice sharp pair of scissors if necessary.
Prepare yourself! Curl your real lashes and give them a good go-through with the lash comb. If you want, you can now apply some waterproof mascara to your real lashes to thicken them up a bit. Also: if you haven't done so already, get yourself in front of a really good mirror (magnifying mirrors are best for this) and into some excellent lighting. You're going to need to see all the details around your eyes really well to get your falsies on right.
Attach your lashes! Follow the directions that come with your fake lashes, especially since you're going to be working with glue and the such. Apply the glue to the base of the fake lashes and wait a minute or two for it to set. Then carefully apply your fake lash as close to the base of your natural lash line as is humanly possible. TAKE YOUR TIME! And try not to get yourself all worked up if you don't get it right the first time. You may want to have a pair of tweezers or a toothpick on hand to help make final adjustments. And using the blunt end of your tweezers may help you get the fake lashes to conform to your lash line. Just be careful not to apply to much pressure. If you're just adding clumps of fake lashes, apply them to the outer corners of your eyes for a really fun, old-school sexy look. You'll really need a toothpick/tweezers/steady hand to get the clumps in the right spot.
Assess your work! Now's the time to apply the rest of your eye makeup. You may want/need to apply some more mascara to your real lashes and the fake ones. Just be very careful when you do this. You don't want to snag your falsies with your mascara wand and rip 'em off after all your hard work. While your mascara-coated lashes are wet, you can also sort of squeeze your real and fake lashes together to better unify the two. Make sure your lash glue is not visible. If you can still see a bead or two of glue, you can use eyeliner to hide it.

Applying fake lashes can be tricky, so it's best to practice, practice, practice. If you're a fake lash wearer and have any tips to share, please leave a comment!

Beauty Product of the Week: Double Extend Beauty Tubes

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

What is it? L'Oreal's Double Extend Beauty Tubes Extension Effect Mascara is "a revolutionary lash extension effect mascara that provides up to 80% longer-looking, nourished lashes. Step 1 - Nourish & Protect Step 2 - Tubes extend lashes Step 3 - Remove with just water Tube Benefits: Clump-free length, Smudge-proof, Flake-proof, Longwearing hold, Ophthalmologist and allergy tested, Suitable on sensitive eyes & for contact lens wearers." Available at drugstores and big box stores for about $11.00

What did you think? I am not a big L'Oreal user. In fact, I only ever use L'Oreal hair products. After seeing one too many ads for L'Oreal's lash extending "tubes," I thought I'd give their mascara a try.

Guess what? I am not impressed. First, for best results, the mascara requires a two-step application process. I hate that. The white base coat of mascara doesn't seem to do much to warrant an extra step in my makeup process. It just goes on and leaves my lashes white. Yippee. Then the coat of mascara goes on top. My lashes did look longer but not any thicker (I hate that you have to pick between length and thickness...I want both--and yes, that was a rather inappropriate but fitting double entendre!).

The real downside to this mascara is in the removal process. Since the mascara uses "tubes" to lengthen lashes, said tubes tend to flake, especially when I'm washing my face. I have to really make sure I take care to remove all my mascara, otherwise I get stuck with weird black mascara flakes on my cheeks, around my eyes, etc. Messy...and not cool.

Final verdict? There are better mascaras on the market, and sadly, this is just another dud. I feel like I've been in a string of blah mascaras lately. And since mascara is, in my opinion, one of the most important beauty products on the market, that's not acceptable. So yeah--if YOU have a killer mascara I have to try out, please, please, please leave me a comment! Thanks.

October's Lust List

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

I spend too much money on makeup and skin care products. There...I've admitted it. I'm pretty bad about picking up products whenever I want, and now with the end of the year (and the increased spending thanks to the holidays) coming, I am starting to scale back a bit.

So...instead of going out and buying a bunch of new stuff, I'm making a list--a Lust List--of all the products I'm currently interested in.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour 407 Jade ($25)
When I first saw this nail color, I was a bit "meh." It looked pretty, but it seemed to springtime-y. Then I saw it in a magazine and man! The color looked rich and beautiful. Green nails are very much in style, and this shade takes the green trend in a different direction.
Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect in Draped Burgundy 957 ($25.50)
Yes, I am a Dior Addict, thank you very much. I love their lip products. The packaging is perfectly tacky, the colors are great, and they feel amazing on my lips. I am always up for a new shade, and their Draped Burgundy looks perfect!
Smashbox Private Eyes Kit ($24)
I haven't used Smashbox products in ages, but when I did, I loved it. Their cream eyeliners rock! This kit includes eyeshadows and a tube of their Lash DNA mascara. Yes, please!
Lorac Secrets of a Hollywood Starlet Kit ($42)
Lorac makes one of my favorite mascaras (Lotsa Lash), and since it's included in this kit, I sorta kinda want it. Not only does it contain Lotsa Lash, the kit also comes with an eyeshadow trio, a blush, lipstick and brush all in a cute purple bag. Ahhh!

So, there you have it. I'm not buying any of these things as much as I may want to, and in doing so I'm keeping $116.50 in my pocket (about $130 if you add in tax).

What are you lusting after this month?

Philosophy of Beauty?

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Take a quick look in your bathroom. I'll bet there is at least one product from Philosophy in there.

You know the brand: they make cult-worthy skin care products like their wildly popular Purity Made Simple. They also have body washes and lip balms in great scents for almost every occasion imaginable.

Well, now Philosophy is launching their own line of makeup, "bringing their best-selling skin care secrets to paraben-free shadows, mineral powders, and sun-proof lip gloss." It looks like they're selling the usual suspects: SPF-containing mineral foundation ($35), mineral blush and bronzer duos ($25), conditioning lipglosses ($15), and even a "coloring book" palette ($37.50).

I do like Philosophy's skin care line, and I often recommend their products to friends. Oddly, though, I am not particularly eager to check out their new makeup line. Maybe I'm just jaded or cheap, but some of their prices seem high ($35 for foundation?). And if I am going to spend a lot on a product I am not familiar with, I tend to want a more high-end "lux" purchase from a brand like Dior or Chanel. That's just my initial knee-jerk reaction, but I am by no means the be-all, end-all. What do YOU think? Would you check out the Philosophy cosmetics line?

NARS for the Holidays

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +0000

I know, I know: it's not even Halloween yet and already retailers seem to be pushing Christmas. It's obscene and maddening, but it's also terribly practical. With the recession still going and consumer confidence shaky, shoppers need to see what's out there in order to prioritize their spending (and to hone their holiday wish lists!).

If you're starting to think about gifts for the girls or if you're looking to add a little sparkle to your winter look, you must check out the NARS holiday 2009 collection. NARS cosmetics are very high quality--their shadows are well pigmented, their blushes legendary, and their lip products rock (I swear by their All Night Long lipgloss--I keep it at my desk at work and use it almost every day!).

Check out their Holiday 2009 collection...I bet you'll be able to find something you'll want to add to your holiday list:

This Holiday season, NARS wraps up the year and its 15th Anniversary with a color collection offering shades that are deep and bold with festive shimmer – ideal for designing a look that is both sophisticated and sultry.

“For the holidays, I think it’s a great time to feel beautiful and sexy…with a little bit of movie star attitude,” says François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics.

NARS SOFT TOUCH SHADOW PENCIL - $24 Sure to be a favorite for the holidays, the soft touch shadow pencil is a new addition to the NARS product line that offers a convenient delivery system and multi-purpose formula. Available in three playful shades: Goddess – A cool, divinely ethereal, glistening pink champagne that’s worthy of worship. Aigle Noir– A smoky, bold black infused with gold shimmer named for the dark, noble raptor that soars the Himalayas – graceful and rare. Skorpios– An irresistibly iridescent copper named for the alluring Greek isle of the famous and flamboyant.

NARS Duo Eyeshadow - $32 Brousse– Deep, subtly shimmering hues of eggplant and the darkest wood create an earthy, yet sophisticated palette Eurydice– Bordeaux with hints of iridescent blues and coal rich with metallic greens make for a modern holiday pairing Taiga– A surprising contrast of bright, yet intense hues in the sheerest of textures

NARS Mousson Cream Eyeshadow - $21 This shimmering, spicy pine cream eyeshadow is named for the monsoon – natural and unpredictable

NARS Rouge Andalou Nail Polish - $16 Lasting and lustrous, like its namesake region – this classic, incandescent candy apple red nail hue is sultry, sexy and steeped in tradition

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil - $24 Pop Life– Coat lips instantly with this bold, bright and modernly matte holly red hue that slips on with a velvety texture Toundra– This richly pigmented Barolo wine shade is creamy, long-lasting and matte for strong, seamless color

NARS Luxor Multiple - $37 An iridescent pink to be used on eyes, cheeks, lips and body for dynamic highlights and a perfect, glowing complexion

Congrats!

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:05:00 +0000

Congratulations to Leslie! You are my ANSR skin care winner! I'll be emailing you soon. Have a great weekend everyone!

Don't Forget to Enter!

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:01:00 +0000

Hey! Don't forget--I'm giving away a spiffy skincare kit from ANSR! All you need to do is click here and leave a post by noon (PST) on Friday. One winner will be selected at random.

Good luck!

Brush Off

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:01:00 +0000

A few weeks back, I was talking with someone on Twitter about hair. She was saying that she was unhappy with her hair and wasn't sure if she should replace her hair dryer or her brush. I suggested that she try a new brush before investing in a new hair dryer. (Hey, @DarthMittens: I know you got a new brush--did that solve your problem or do you plan to get a new dryer?)

I've been trying out new brushes for myself, from a website called BrushLove.com. Here are my thoughts:

Brushlab Ceramic Flow Thermal Round Barrel Hair Brush
Description: Brushlab ceramic flow hair brush helps create and reduce frizz. Its round aerated barrel allows air to flow through the brush instead of bouncing off and blowing hair away from the brush. The entire barrel is ceramic and produces uniform heat quickly. The short, stiff bristles are treated with tourmaline to help break up moisture molecules and help destroy odor-causing bacteria. $11.98

My thoughts: I usually use a smaller barrel round brush, but this one makes my hair really shiny and gives me tons of body. My hair feels bouncy! If it were a little smaller in diameter, it would be easier for me to use, but that's my issue more than a problem with the brush. Here's a really weird thing about this brush: my cat absolutely loves it! Seriously, when he hears me grab it off the bathroom counter he comes a-running. He is insane and oddly obsessed with this brush--it's funny!

Brushlab Pretty Pink Dual Mirror Brush Combo Hair Brush
Description: Ultra-fashionable dual purpose hand mirror plus nylon ball-tipped styling/detangling brush. Great size for travel. Pink is in!!! $9.98

My thoughts: I like that this is bright pink. It makes it easy to find in my often disorganized life! This is the perfect brush for packing in a bag since it does an excellent job, feels good on the scalp, and has the added bonus of the mirror.

***

The brushlove website is giving away a PING Digital Hair Iron ($159.99 retail) to 5 winners who compete their survey. Want to enter? Click here.

P.S. You can find me on Twitter here.

Do You Show Your Age?

asklydia@hotmail.com (Lydia) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:01:00 +0000

Stress, diet, exercise, sun exposure, genetics, and bad habits take their toll on us in many ways. No one wants to look older, but it's not always easy to take care of your skin or to know what effect your current bad habits may have on the overall aging process.

I don't know about you, but I love taking online quizzes. Now, get an idea of how you're aging, Women's Health magazine has put together a quick test that will tell you how old your skin looks. Click here to take the test.

Regardless of your score, the Women's Health editors have put together a book called Age Erasers for Women (available for sale here) that contains tips galore on how to not look (or feel!) your age.

Here are some highlights on how to care for your eyes that we can all benefit from:

Dark Circles

To Repair: Scientists are targeting raccoon eyes with high-tech toning and tightening ingredients which prevent stray blood cells from leaking out of under-eye vessels. Try SkinMedica TNS Illuminating Eye Cream, with NouriCel-MD.
To Prevent: Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, can mask circles by thickening the thin skin under eyes making it less transparent. For prevention of dark circles, we recommend Jan Marini Factor-A Eyes for Dark Circles.

Puffiness

To Repair: Researchers have found that peptides stimulate collagen production, boosting in skin firmness forces fluids out from under eyes. We recommend Kinerase Under Eye Rescue to repair puffiness.
To Prevent: Skin-care brand Vichy conducted a study of 41 women who used their Vichy Oligo 25 Eyes Anti-Fatigue Cooling Effect Stick and found that it reduced the appearance of under eye bags by 25 percent. Try it!

Crow’s Feet

To Repair: Scientists have found that amino acids can block the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract working similarly to Botox. Try Freeze 24-1 Anti-Aging Eye Serum or Dermadoctor Immobile Lines for your crow’s feet troubles.
To Prevent: A powerful antioxidant called idebenone gobbles up cell-damaging free radicals to keep wrinkles from forming. We recommend BeingTrue Anti-Aging I-Lift Eye Countour Concentrate or Prevage Eye Anti-Aging Moisturizing Treatment

If you take the test and are brave enough to share your results, leave me a comment! I took it and I'm happy to report that my skin apparently only looks 23...awesome considering I'm 33! Nice.