Mascara 101

What You Need to Know About Mascara

We've compiled a list of great mascara tips & tricks to share with you. Follow these and you'll save money, look prettier and your eyes will appear brighter and wider.

Tip #1: How to use a lash comb. For some, lash combs are simply too fussy. But for some makeup artists, they're a great invention and keep lashes glob-free and perfectly separated. So, how to use it? Apply mascara at the lash base. Then wiggle the lash comb through to the tips of your lashes. Not into the lash comb? Get rid of clumps without them by removing excess mascara from the wand. Wipe wand on tissue, this eliminates blobs BEFORE you start.

Tip #2: Try a clean mascara wand. Sweep a clean, fresh mascara wand through lashes when they're wet. Don't worry; you don't have to buy them. When you finish mascara, clean the wand in a capful of eye makeup remover, then wash with soap and dry. Keep it clean by washing it whenever you wash your makeup tools.

Tip #3: Don't shy away from colored mascara. Basic mascara rules are simple: Black works for everyone but can be harsh on blondes. Blondes should opt for brown/black by day and reserve black for night. Blue mascara, however, can brighten blue eyes while purple mascara makes brown eyes pop.

Tip #4: When applying mascara, wiggle the wand at the base of the lashes. It's the mascara placed near the roots (not the tips) that gives the illusion of length.

Tip #5: Thin, short brushes are best. A thinner brush allows you to get into the corner of eyes. Short brushes give you more control.

Tip #6: Give a few coats to the edges by blinking. Blink onto the brush to give ends an extra coat.

Tip #7: Powder under the eye before applying mascara. Sometimes mascara smudges because it's attracted to oily concealer or eye creams.

Tip #8: Use an eyelash curler Curling lashes gives eyes the appearance of being wider and brighter. Shoot warm air from your blow dryer on the mascara curler for 3-5 seconds to warm it up before curling lashes. Touch it first to make sure it's not too hot. It's a myth that you have to curl lashes before you apply mascara. You can curl lashes after mascara application; just make sure the mascara is dry first.

Tip #9: Zigzag the wand. Zigzagging the wand back and forth during application helps cut down clumps.

Tip #10: For a dramatic look, apply mascara only to the upper lashes. To make eyes seem wider, apply to the bottom, too. But make sure you give lashes a light touch. Not great at getting those bottom lashes? Try putting a tissue under them before application.

Tip #11: Use a mascara primer. Primers coat lashes and separate them before you apply mascara. Makeup artists swear by mascara primer. I tried it and like it, but because it's an added step, I usually use primer only on special occasion when I spend more time on my makeup.

Tip #12: Want that 2nd coat? Just make sure to do it before the first coat dries, otherwise you'll get clumps.

Tip #13: Do NOT pump wand in and out of the tube. This only introduces air into the tube, which will cause your mascara to dry out sooner than it should.

Tip #14: Another smudge-proof tip -- bend the wand. A top makeup artist once gave his secret to his steady hand: he always bends his wand at a right angle.

Tip #15: Wait five seconds before blinking. You don't want to paint your lids, do you?

Now you can start 'eye flirting'...

Para este blog en español ve a http://hitomi-paramujeres.blogspot.com/2007/09/rmel-101.html

Eyebrows 101

Your eyebrows are the top of the frame of your face. By their shape and style, they can highlight your eyes, make you look more awake and refreshed and, even take a few years off your appearence. Follow this simple steps to a beautiful eyebrows! (As shown in Allure-Sept '04 Issue)

1. To ensure that your brow pencil looks natural, select a shade the matches or is slightly lighter than your natural hair color - except for fair blondes, who should get a shade or two darker.

2. Use a brow brush or a lash comb to brush brow hair up and out. Use the pencil in short, feathered strokes to fill in any gaps or spaces. The pencil will also thicken the hairs a little to provide a fuller appearance. If you have thin brows, you may not desire a fuller look, so only use the pencil to fill in any space you may have as sparingly as possible.

3. After brows are combed, you can see if there are any unrulky hairs that need to be removed. Remember, line your finger on the side of your nose from the inside corner of your eye (brow should not go onto the bridge of the nose inside that "line") and then upwards from the outside corner of your eye (brow should not extend outward from that point). Remember, too, that the high point of your arch should be parallel to the outside edge of your iris - not your pupil. Use a pair of slanted, preferably stainless steel, tweezers to pluck any unwanted hairs.

4. Define brows by brushing on brow powder (for fair hair and brunettes), or even an eyeshadow (for dark hair).

5. When travelling or extremely active, use a tinted or clear gel for brows to keep them in place.

Para este blog es español ve a http://hitomi-paramujeres.blogspot.com/2007/09/cejas-101.html

Fragrances 101

HOW TO CHOOSE A FRAGRANCE

1. Try them! But no more than three cause after that, your sense of smell becomes "exhausted" and you'll be confused.

2. Love the scent your best friend wears? Try it yourself before you buy. Fragrances mingles with your own body's chemistry and may smell different on different people.

3. Wait at least 10 minutes before making up your mind. That allows time for the alcohol in the scent to evaporate, and for the fragrance to blend with your own skin.


HOW TO WEAR A FRAGRANCE:

1. Fragrance rises. Don't just apply behind your ears or on your neck. Try in the crook of your elbow, behind your knees, etc. Try it on the palms of your hands!

2. Once is not enough. Fragrance lasts between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the strength of the concentration (perfume lasts the longest, then eau de parfum, eau de toilette, and cologne). You'll need to re-apply during the day. Women with dry skin may find that they need to re-apply even more often.

3. Only spray fragrance on your hair if it's freshly shampooed. Oils and dirt may distort the scent. Don't use fragrance on your hair if it is extremely dry or brittle.

4. If you live at a high altitude, you'll need to re-apply more often. Or you can try a more concentrated version, or a more intense scent.

5. Keep fragrance at arm's length. No one standing more than an arms' length away should be able to smell your fragrance.


SUMMER TIPS:

1. Fragrance and sun don't mix. If you're going to be outside, make sure that you don't have fragrance on areas of your body that will be exposed to the sun.

2. Go light! Many women look for a lighter scent for warmer weather, or a less concentrated version of their favorite fragrance. Nice types for warm weather: citrus, floral, or spicy scents.

3. Keep your fragrance in the fridge for real refreshment. (Unless you wear perfume.)

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

* Don't save your fragrance for special occasions, wear it every day! Fragrance will evaporate and change once it's opened. Keep it fresh by storing in a cool, dry place away from the sun.

* Don't apply fragrance directly to clothing, it may stain. Instead, add a few drops to the rinse cycle of your laundry. Or spray your ironing board.

* Spray cotton balls with fragrance and tuck them into drawers and closets.

* Spray your sheets and pillows for the sweetest dreams!

Para este blog en español ve a http://hitomi-paramujeres.blogspot.com/2007/09/fragrancias-101.html