Wet n’ Wild beauty’s Extraordinary #MOMents campaign
This year, Mother’s Day is May 12th, and Wet n’ Wild beauty is celebrating by collaborating with the Noreen Fraser Foundation (NFF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness of women’s cancer research and the importance of early detection. Through the Extraordinary #MOMents campaign, individuals can post a photo of their mom on Wet n’ Wild’s Facebook page with a special memory of what makes her amazing. For each #MOMent shared, Wet n’ Wild will donate $1 to NFF to support women’s cancer research.
Entries will be evaluated by a panel of influential judges including: Entertainment Tonight’s Brooke Anderson; Variety Magazine Publisher, Michelle Sobrino; Stella & Dot CEO, Jessica Herrin; Owner of Pur-lisse, Jennifer Yen; and, Celebrity make-up artist, Amy Rittiner. The winner and their mom will each receive a year supply of Wet n’ Wild makeup and a $100 Walgreens shopping spree. Two runners-up will receive Wet n’ Wild gift packages worth $100, and $25 Walgreens gift cards.
The campaign will run from May 1st through Mother’s Day, May 12th, 2013. Enter now here»
Event Alert: Discover the Must-Have colors of the Seasons at Sephora
WHO: This Spring, Sephora offers everyone a variety of ways to feel, learn about, wear and love color, encouraging you to ignite your COLOR VISION.
WHAT: Open your eyes to the many ways the hottest colors of the season – Infrared Rouge, Lucid Lilac and Majestic Cobalt – can be incorporated into any look with help from Sephora. Stop into your nearest Sephora location to enjoy complimentary makeovers in these shades from brands like NARS, Laura Mercier, Make Up For Ever, Hourglass, Dior, Smashbox, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Buxom, Givenchy, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, Urban Decay and Stila. Learn how to tune in – and stand out – with bold effects for eyes, lips, cheeks and nails this Spring.
WHEN: Every Friday – Sunday from March 29th – April 28th
12pm – 6pm
WHERE: All Sephora locations. For locations nearest you, please visit http://www.sephora.com.
WHY: There’s no better way to usher in the new season than with a new, bold look. Sephora COLOR VISION forecasts the must-have colors of the season so you can amplify your beauty look with multi-dimensional tones that bring color to a whole new wavelength.
Get Glowing Skin this Spring with Per-fekt Beauty
This weekend in NYC I was in disbelief as I peered out the window and saw snowflakes softly falling from the sky. The good news is, the weather was too warm for it to stick. Do you know what that means? Spring is coming! And soon after, summer, summer, summertime (cue Will Smith from his Fresh Prince days). Anyway, what better way to prepare for the advent of skin-bearing clothing than to make sure your body is glowing from head to toe with a hot new beauty kit from per-fekt beauty.
Rihanna’s makeup artist, Mylah Morales, has used some of per-fekt beauty’s products to create the singer’s sexy glow, and now you too will have everything you need to look like a superstar with the newly launched Ready, Set, Glow Kit. The products, according to Morales, “are unique in that they act as a modern multi-use alternative to traditional foundations and powder bronzers and blushes, creating a healthy and youthful look to boost your natural skin color.”
The kit (a $100 value) includes per-fekt’s body perfection gel in matte tan ($45), cheek perfection gel in bronzed ($28) and lip perfection gel in sunset ($24). Get it now for $45 by using the code “GLOWKIT” at checkout (P.S. If you sign up for their newsletter you can save 25%).
Product Review: Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick
I have no idea where Bobbi Brown’s Foundation Stick has been all my life, but I’m glad I found it. This creamy foundation blends seamlessly, for a natural looking matte finish.
What is it? A foundation stick designed for portability and adjustable coverage
Price: $42.00
What I like? It comes in a compact tube, which is easy to carry around all day, without the worry of foundation spilling inside your bag. It’s buildable – you can add layers of the product until you get our desired look. The coverage looks natural and works wonders on covering up my dark circles (see before and after picture below). I wear the shade Natural Tan 4.25.
Bobbi Brown’s Foundation Stick does an amazing job at covering my undereye circles. (On the left: without the foundation; On the right: After the foundation)
Bottom line: It’s a beauty bag must-have. It offers great coverage, is long-lasting and gives skin a flawless complexion.
Wet n’ Wild’s Beauty Blogger Event 2013
Click on pictures to enlarge.
Wet n’ Wild introduced its Spring 2013 collection and Fergie Center Stage Collection to bloggers in NYC on Thursday, February 28th, 2013.
Last week I attended Wet n’ Wild’s beauty blogger event in New York City, held at a penthouse in the luxurious Smyth hotel in Lower Manhattan. Wet n’ Wild has always held a special place in my makeup-obsessed heart, since it was the first brand of beauty products I was ever able to purchase. I’ve always been amazed at how they have been able to offer products at low costs (everything is under $5), without sacrificing quality.
At the blogger event, Wet n’ Wild showcased its new 2013 line, Fergie Center Stage Collection, and even had some products from 2012 on display. The room was a beauty-lovers dream; every inch of the space filled with tons of colorful lip glosses, nail polishes, eye shadows and more, all for grabs.
The Fergie collection is the embodiment of the “Glamorous” singer’s style. Almost all of the products feature shimmer and ultra-pigmented, long-lasting colors. Fergie’s line is definitely meant for the type of girl who loves to make a statement and be a little flashy.
FERGIE NAIL COLOR
PHOTO OP EYESHADOW: A030 Dutchess Lounge
Just like Center Stage, Wet n Wild’s new 2013 collection is amazing. I’ve been wearing the new COVERALL® Cream Foundation with matching Pressed Powder since the event, and love it! It has a very natural-looking finish and lasts all day. I’ve also become a huge fan of the MEGA LAST® liquid lip colors, which glides on smoothly and lasts up to 8-hours.
TO REFLECT SHIMMER PALETTES, COVERALL® CREAM FOUNDATIONS & FERGIE’S PERFECT POUT LIP COLOR
Wet n Wild’s 2013 COLLECTION
Wet n Wild’s 2012 Collection
Backstage Beauty: Emerson by Jackie Fraser-Swan Fall 2013
On February 10th, I went backstage at Emerson’s Fall 2013 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at The Studio at Lincoln Center. The team of Red Door Spa, led by National Creative Director and Master Stylist Zahir Ziani, was responsible for the teased up-do seen on the runway. The hair, as described by Ziani, was created to look effortless and natural, “as if the model put her hair up in the pony-tail herself.” Tousled curls were created first to add volume, and hair was wrapped around the base of the pony-tail and secured with bobby pins. Only one product was used, a dry spray by Kérastase, which allowed Ziani to apply the spray repeatedly while avoiding a greasy-weighed down look.
HAIR
Stylist Zahir Ziani didn’t use any rubber bands to hold the base of the hair in place. Instead, he used the model’s own hair, which was secured with bobby pins.
MAKEUP
All of the make-up used for the show was by Bobbi Brown. Dark, rocker-chic cat eyes were created using Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in black. And, the top of brows here highlighted using Bobbi’s limited edition Sparkle Eye Shadow, a combination of shimmering pearls and fine glitter. Similar to the hair, the makeup was done to look as if the model did it herself.
The final makeup look backstage at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week’s Emerson Fall 2013 show
NAILS
The nails were just as edgy as the makeup. Inspired by the black lace used in Emerson’s collection, ORLY Nail Lacquer in Pure Porcelain and ORLY Nail Lacquer in After Party was used to create the fabulous nail detail seen below.
ORLY Nail Lacquer in Pure Porcelain and ORLY Nail Lacquer in After Party
The nail art was inspired by the fabrics used in Emerson’s fall 2013 collection
MAKE UP FOREVER PRO FINISH REVIEW
FTC Disclosure: These products were provided by a pr firm for review.
What is it?: MAKE UP FOREVER Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation
Price: $36.00 at sephora.com
Pro Finish in #127 Golden Sand
What it does: This high-performance, versatile foundation creates a flawless complexion, and lets you customize your foundation result.
The Formula: An innovative formula that can be applied wet for a sheer, satin finish or dry for a full, matte finish.
The Effect: Take a look at the pictures below. The foundation evens out skin texture, covers imperfections and has a suprising natural finish.
What I like? A sleek compact makes carrying this foundation a no-mess solution for on-the-go touch-ups. During the day, I prefer a barely-there look, but at night I like heavier coverage, so it’s a great foundation to take you from day-to-night, without getting cakey in between applications.
MAKE UP FOR EVER dry application technique
MAKE UP FOREVER Pro Finish wet application technique. I like the wet application the best because it lets my skin show through and doesn’t look like I have on any makeup at all.
Bottom line: A 2013 beauty bag must-have for a perfect complexion.
Super Bowl Sunday Makeup
Super Bowl XLVII is just days away and whether you are proudly rooting for the San Francisco 49ers or the Baltimore Ravens, beauty brand Violent Lips has got you covered with temporary lip and eye appliques that help you show off your team spirit. The lip appliques have a glossy finish and lasts up to 8 hours, so you can munch on all you favorite Super Bowl snacks all night long without worry. Not rooting for either of the competing teams? Check out Violent Lips entire Game Day Collection.
Pictured on the left:
Smokey Purple Eye by VoltiMUA
Game Day – Purple & Yellow Lips, $7.99
Violent Eyes – Violet Glitteratti, $9.99
Pictured on the right:
Game Day – Red, White & Yellow Lips, $7.99
Violent Eyes – Bronze Glitteratti, $9.99
Giveaway: bareMinerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara
***This contest is closed.***The winners are: Mandy Haynes,Vicki Neulinger & Autum C. Congrats!!!!
So, on Friday, I told you about the amazing results I got when I used bareMinerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara. Now, with he help of planetbeauty.com, I am giving 3 lucky winners, yes, 3, the opportunity to win their very own tube for dramatic, luscious lashes.
Here are the rules to enter:
1. ”Like” Planet Beauty on Facebook (= 1 entry).
For 3 more additional entries to increase your chance of winning (optional):
2. “Follow” Delialicious Picks on Twitter, then leave a comment here letting us know that you did (= 1 entry).
3. “Follow” Planet Beauty on Twitter, then leave a comment here letting us know that you did (= 1 entry).
4. “Follow” Planet Beauty on Instagram (@planet_beauty), then leave a comment here letting us know that you did (= 1 entry).
Each comment counts as an entry. The winner will be chosen using random.org. For example if the number 4 is selected and your comment is the 4th one down, you will be the winner, so multiple comments increase your chance of winning. Good luck!
Rules: This giveaway is open to residents of the US only. You must be 18+ to enter. One winner will be chosen using random.org on February 4, 2013. All entries must be received by February 3rd 11:59pm EST.
*Please do not post the same comment 2x. Some comments end up in the que if there are a lot of links associated with it, and I will do my best to approve them in a timely manner.
bareMinerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara Review
What is it?: bareMinerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara
Price: $18.00
What it does: After just two coats, its Exclusive NutriPlumpTM formula dramatically plumps lashes up to 600%* for unheard-of thickness, fullness and flutter.
The Brush: It’s a very soft bristle brush that expertly picks up just enough of the product that you need, without having to remove off too much excess.
The Effect: Va VA VOOM! Check out my before and after photo below. My lashes were instantly fuller, longer and darker. I didn’t even curl my lashes before applying the mascara. It also gave my lashes great depth. I don’t have any eyeliner on in the photo below.
Bottom Line: An absolute must-have for a dramatic look without having to apply false lashes.
Disclourse: I received this mascara for review from planetbeauty.com. They will be sponsoring a giveaway of this mascara on Monday with 3 luck winners, so stay tuned.
xoxo
MAKE UP FOR EVER LAUNCHES MOBILE MAKE UP SCHOOL
I’ll admit it, I own a cluster of beauty products that I haven’t the slightest idea what to do with. If it comes is shiny packaging or has sparkles, I must have it; but, the problem is, once I do add it to the overflowing avalanche of beauty products I own, it goes unused since I don’t know how to use it properly. So, I was super excited to learn that MAKE UP FOR EVER is launching its first-ever mobile tour, where professional make-up artists will take a look inside consumer’s bags and teach them how to use all the products they currently own, regardless of the brand. They will also perform a beauty overhaul to get rid of products that aren’t right for the individual.
Starting today, January 23rd, consumers can book 30 minute one-on-one make up bag evaluations inside the Make Up School online at www.facebook.com/MAKEUPFOREVERUSA. Sessions are available from 12:00pm – 8:00pm on Saturday and 11:00am – 7:00pm on Sunday.
What you get:
*30 minute one-on-one make up bag evaluations inside the Make Up School
*Hands-on lesson explaining how to apply makeup
*A custom face chart detailing how to use your products
*A list of any additional products recommended by the artist
*A professional photographer will also be on-site to capture each client’s “after” look, which will be uploaded to an album on the MAKE UP FOR EVER USA Facebook page.
*The opportunity to purchase a limited edition Remix Make Up Bag by Christina Ricci for MAKE UP FOR EVER. The bag retails for $30, or $45 with a Pro Finish Multi-Use Compact Foundation (a $66 value).
This limited edition make up bag by Christina Ricci will be available at MAKEUP FOREVER’s nationwide mobile tour.
The initiative is part of the Make Up Bag Remix concept and will travel to the following cities in early 2013:
· Los Angeles, CA: February 1st – 3rd
· San Francisco, CA: February 9th – 10th
· Las Vegas, NV: February 16th – 17th
· Dallas, TX: February 23rd – 24th
· Miami, FL: March 2nd – 3rd
· New York, NY: March 9th – 10th
· Boston, MA: March 23rd – 24th
· Chicago, IL: April 6th – 7th
· Toronto, ON: April 13th – 14th
Additionally, MAKE UP FOR EVER will have make up stations dedicated to quick lip and complexion touch ups featuring Pro Finish, the brand’s innovative new multi-use compact foundation. My review of the foundation will be posted next week, so stay tuned.
xoxo
Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara Review
What is it?: Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara
Price: $26.00
What it does: The mascara claims to give lashes a doll-like, wide-eyed voluminous effect. An exclusive FiberShineTM formula sculpts, curls and adds shine to lashes, as it lifts and thickens.
The Formula: The mascara formula is very thick and goopy. It took over 20 swipes to remove the excess product, and even after all that effort, there was still too much on the brush. I wish they designed the bottle better to remove most of the excess as you pull the wand out. It also clumps very easily, which is a pain when you are in a rush.
The Brush: I like the way the wand is designed; its cone-shaped brush makes it easy to get to the hard-to-reach corners and bottom lashes. It’s honestly one of the best mascara brushes I’ve ever used.
The Effect: My eyelashes were definitely lifted, spread-out, and slightly lengthened. But, I didn’t feel like they achieved doll-like proportions, nor did it give my lashes any volume.
My lashes before applying the mascara
My eyelashes after a few coats – you can see how much it clumps.
Bottom Line: I’m torn, because it’s a good mascara that does a nice job at thickening and lengthening. However, the effect wasn’t impressive enough for me to want to pay the high cost for the product (I got mine as a free sample from Sephora). For a daytime look, I would use it, but that’s only because I already have it. For dramatic nighttime lashes, I’ll stick to my other brands
Illuminating Light Up Lip Gloss by Beauty for Real
FTC Disclosure: These products were provided by a pr firm for review.
Illuminating Light Up Lip Gloss
Ladies, we’ve all been there before. We’re out late at night and try to do one thing: reapply our lip gloss. In theory, this should be an easy feat, but when you can’t see to make sure you are carefully filling in the contours of your pout perfectly, the result can be disastrous. The last thing you want is to have someone say, “You look like you put your makeup on in the dark!”
So, when I was sent a sample of Illuminating Light Up Lip Gloss by Beauty for Real, the clouds parted, harps started playing, and I decided that it would be absolutely sinful if I didn’t share it with you. The Illuminating Light Up Lip Gloss is a fantastic high-tech product in terms of exterior design and formula. The lip gloss is loaded with plant derived antioxidants, essential vitamins, and marine collagen for super plump lips. The bottle has a small mirror attached to its exterior, and the wand has a LED light in the lid to illuminate lips when applying. The lid can also be used a s a small flashlight to see inside your purse, making it the ultimate must-have staple for your handbag.
I tested out the Just Lust shade ($22), which is a perfect rose gold hue, and looks amazing against my olive skin tone. The color is rich, yet felt lightweight, and lasted about 4 hours before I needed a retouch.
Swatch of Just Lust
Before applying the lip gloss, I lined my lips with The Perfect Pencil in Nude ($14) by Beauty for Real. The company only makes the lip pencil in one universally flattering shade to take the guesswork out of finding the perfect color.
Here are my results after applying one coat:
Below, I’ve included a short video on how easy it is to use the Illuminating Light Up Lip Gloss in the dark. Check it out:
Lips like a Material Girl
I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to stealing my mom’s red lipstick as a kid and singing into a hair brush to Madonna’s “Material Girl” in front of a mirror. Even though I didn’t have a comparable Marlin Monroe pink dress Madonna replicated in the video, I did have the iconic red lips. The only problem was, my mom’s crimson lipstick didn’t exactly match well with my skin tone. Yes, even at eight, I knew what colors looked best on me. Red is a tricky shade to wear, but Madonna’s makeup artist, Gina Brooke, has collaborated with MAKE UP FOR EVER to create a shade that is universally flattering, high-pigmented, smudge-proof and long-lasting. The hue called Aqua Rouge #8 is the official lip color for Madonna’s MDNA tour, and is double-ended lip stain and gloss stick, so you get two products for the price of one. Anxious to get your sexy red pout? Aqua Rouge #8 is available in stores now.
Getting Organized – Why I love my Caboodles
My Caboodles when it closed. The handle allowed me to transport it easily from my room to another floor in my house to take this photo.
I’m not exactly the most organized person when it comes to my makeup. When I first started accumulating beauty products in large amounts, I began storing them in a very large suitcase with a lock, out of the fear that my two sisters would steal from me when I wasn’t looking – not that I would even notice. But, I am greedy when it comes to my makeup, and remain in the toddler possessive phase declaring everything mine and unwilling to share. The only problem with my giant suitcase is that it sits vertically so that it doesn’t take up too much space in my room, and to tell you the truth, I haven’t the slightest idea what’s in there. When I need blush, I stick my hand down into its depths and retrieve the first color my hands can locate, and that is how I select what shade my cheeks will be on that days. Thankfully, the madness has come to an end since I’ve discovered Caboodles, super chic cosmetic case organizers. I received a Grande Train Case from Caboodles during Nolcha Fashion Week’s Blogger Brunch. Since then, it has simplified organizing my makeup and now cuts my beauty routine in half, because I no longer have to spend ten minutes reaching down into a deep black hole just to find a blush.
I have my most used lip glosses, concealers, eye shadows, blushes, foundations, and other products in their own separate compartments within one organizer that pulls out to reveal all my goodies. When I’m finished with my makeup, I simply close the organizer and it decreases to half the size so that I’m able to store it underneath a small chair in my room. It also has a handle, so I’m able to carry all my makeup around whenever I need to.
My Caboodles opened halfway.
My Caboodles fully opened. I bet you weren't expecting that!
In addition to the classics, the cases are also available in really cool designs – my Caboodles is purple with black lace. Check out more on their website»
Makeup Felony: Mismatched Foundation
I swear that there is a foundation shade on the market for ever single person’s skin complexion across the entire globe, except mine. I’m not over-exaggerating. After years of unsuccessfully trying to find something that matched my medium to golden skin tone, I recently walked into a poplar beauty store and asked for help locating the perfect foundation shade. The makeup artist raced back and forth from the makeup aisles to my face saying “too pink,” “too gold,” “too light,” and “too dark.” Two and half hours later, the sun went down, and after trying on shades from ever single brand in the store, she victoriously held up my perfect match. I admired myself in the mirror and agreed that it looked great, so I went home and applied the foundation across my problem areas on the night of a special occasion. Following the event, pictures were posted online for all the world to see; and, what they saw was my face clearly looking paler in the areas where I applied the foundation, and completely unnatural. Wearing the wrong foundation shade is something that almost very women encounters during their quest for a flawless complexion. Here are some valuable lessons I’ve learned to prevent you from making the same mistake I did:
1. When applying foundation, blend, blend, and then blend some more. This is especially important if yo
u are like me, and don’t own foundation that looks like your skin in a bottle. Use a wide brush to buff foundation over your face in circular motions, starting from the center, moving outwards, and then finally, down to your neck for a natural, even-toned finish.
2. When selecting a new foundation, apply and test the color out in the day time. Ask for a mirror so you can step outside and see the color in natural light. When the makeup artist applied the foundation on me in the store, the lightning was so dim it camouflaged the imperfect color match.
3. Always request a sample so that you can try the shade out for a few days, not only to make sure it really matches, but also to test its staying power.
4. Ask a second pair of eyes for their opinion, preferably eyes that are not vested in the commission they will receive from selling you the product. My mismatched face still resides in cyberspace as a restless reminder to ask people if my foundation is visible.
My final, most important tip is to keep your receipt so that you can return any foundation that is less that a perfect match. What is the worst makeup crime you ever committed?
Fashionable Lipstick
What woman doesn’t love lipstick? The ability to transform your face resides in one little reliable tube packed with color. Personally, my everyday purse has several different shades housed in the secret compartments of my bag (the compartments are secret, because sometimes I’m not even aware of where the lipstick tubes travel to, which is why I keep throwing more and more tubes inside my bag, unintentionally creating a portable department store makeup counter).
Sometimes all a woman needs to do is add some tint to her lips to create an instant face brightener sans makeup. And, don’t forget about my previous post about how lipstick can double as blush. There are so many brands of lipsticks out there, and with so much competition, manufactures have two options to make theirs stand out: develop an amazing product or create a captivating design. If a brand is really great they will combine the two and develop a product that not only works well, but looks chic, because let’s face it we do, sometimes, buy with our eyes. This is why I have decided to seek out the most alluring lipstick tube designs. Check them out below, and see if you’re not tempted to add them to your collection.
1. Make Up For Ever La Bohème Rouge Artist Natural, $19.00
2. Diorific High Fashion Lipstick, $34.00
3. Too Faced’s Lip of Luxury, $20.00
4. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté, $34.00
5. Guerlain Kiss Kiss Lipstick, $27.00 – $33.00
6. Burberry ‘Lip Cover’ Soft Satin Lipstick, $30.00
7. Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick, $19.00
Old Wives Beauty Tricks – Fact or Fiction?
A friend of mine revealed that she used to walk around with an avocado pit in her pocket since she believed an urban legend that it would increase her beauty. Another old wives tale is that Cleopatra used to bathe in milk to keep her skin soft and decant. There are so many beauty tips and tricks that have been passed on from generation to generation, but how many of them actually work?
Old wives Tale # 1: Steam your face for clearer skin
FACT – The technique of using steam treatments for health and beauty purposes dates back to ancient Greeks and Romans. Facial steam unclogs pores and helps get rid of the dirt and bacteria that cause skin breakouts. If you suffer from blackheads, facial steaming is a good way to soften the skin and bring stubborn blackheads to the surface, making it easier for you to remove. It also encourages blood flow and improves circulation, resulting in a warm, healthy glow. You can use an at-home facial steamer, or place your face a safe distance over a bowl of hot water with a towel draped over your head for 10-15 minutes.
Old wives Tale # 2: You can use toothpaste as a spot treatment to clear up acne
FACT & FICTION – The menthol in toothpaste may be able to calm the skin, and there are ingredients in it that can help dry out a pimple. However, there is also a chance that toothpaste will actually make an inflamed zit even worse because of the harsh chemicals in it, which are meant to clean teeth and prevent decay. Toothpaste may actually burn a pimple, causing redness, and making it feel sore and irritated for days, so stick with over-the-counter spot treatments.
Old wives Tale # 3: Use cucumbers to reduce the appearance of dark circles
FACT – Whenever I think of a spa treatment, I envision women in white robes with a heavy face mask, relaxing on a table with 2 slices of cumbers over their eyes, and they are apparently doing it for good reason – cucumbers are laden with an ant-inflammatory which helps to reduce puffiness and soothe tired eyes. When you decide to use this trick, just be sure to refrigerate the cucumbers ahead of time so the cool temperature can reduce the bags under your eyes. Leave on for 15 minutes, then open your eyes and take a look at the smooth, hydrated skin around your eyes.
Are there any old wives beauty tales you follow/used to follow?
It’s Time for Makeup Spring Cleaning
Winter doesn’t last forever (thank goodness!), and neither does your makeup. At the beginning of spring, a lot of people begin to channel their inner Martha Stewart and perform housekeeping chores. It’s important to remember that you also have to do spring cleaning when it comes to your makeup, because all cosmetics eventually expire. Here are some commonly accepted guidelines that you should follow; however,if any product you are using changes color, develops a smell, grows mold, becomes runny, or changes consistency before these time frames, throw it out.
Mascara – 3-6 months
The chances of you going blind from using mascara that’s almost two years old is very slim, but your eyes are too important for you to risk a nasty eye infection because there’s just a little bit left in the tube. To prevent your mascara from drying out, don’t pump the wand in and out; instead wiggle it from side to side as you pull it out.
Eyeliner/Lip Liner – 3 years
If you sharpen your pencils regularly, they can last up to three years.
Eye shadow/Blush – 2 years
A good quality powder can last up to two years; cream based eye shadows and blushes should be tossed after one year.
Foundation – 1 year
Cream and liquid foundation can last up to a year. If you use a water-based foundation, you can add toner and shake it to extend its lifespan. Oil-based foundations can last up to eighteen months. Powder foundations can last up to two years.
Lipstick/Gloss – 18 months
If you sanitize your lipstick by wiping it regularly with a tissue and a few drops of alcohol, it can stay fresh for over a year. Also, if you store it in the refrigerator, it will last longer.
Nail polish -1-2 years
I am guilty of keeping nail polishes that are at least 4-5 years old. Always store your nail polishes in a cool, dry place. If the color in the bottle no longer blends properly, and you can’t hear the metal beads mixing the polish, it’s time to part ways with it.
Tips
*Always smell your products when you first open it, so that you will recognize when the smell changes.
*The day you open a new product, write the date on it.
*Avoid double-dipping your sponges to prevent contamination. Spread foundation on the back of your hand and collect the product with your sponge from there.
*Make sure your hands are always cleaned before using your fingers to apply any product.
*Have a ton of unused makeup products? Learn how you can donate them here»
Bottom Line- When in doubt; throw it out.
Why do you wear makeup? Plus, stars without makeup!
As far as I could remember, I’ve always been obsessed with makeup. I like watching women apply makeup, applying it on myself, and browsing the newest products on the market. I don’t wear tons of makeup, but if I were going out for a night on the town, I would not feel prepared if I did not at least have a little lip gloss and mascara on. I think a lot of women can agree. It’s very rare to go out to a big event, and find a single woman in the room not wearing at least one cosmetic product, whether it’s a tinted lip balm or mascara. So what is it about beauty products that keep women going back for more? Is it because it helps you feel or look more beautiful? Or, maybe it’s a combination of both. I, personally, have always been amazed to see just how much makeup can transform someone’s face. See below for what some of your favorite celebrities look like without their “face” on.
Kim Kardashian is really stunning with or without makeup. She is, however, the perfect example of how concealer is a great secret weapon if you have dark circles. She also uses false lashes to accentuate her exotic eyes.
Jessica Simpson still looks absolutely gorgeous without pounds makeup on. But, it is amazing how a little bit of eye makeup and lip gloss goes a long way…
There is no doubt that Rusell Brand had to sleep on the couch the day he posted this picture of his wife Katy Perry without makeup (left) on Twitter. The unflattering picture was quickly removed after he posted it.
Even Beyonce doesn’t wake up looking flawless. She relies on a team of hair stylists and makeup artists to make sure she looks her best when out in public.
The Art of Applying your Makeup in the Train
I ride the train every morning to work, and my favorite part of the ride is watching women do their makeup. I do not judge. In fact, I am absolutely impressed, and always stare in adoration of those who posses such a honed craft. I believe it takes a certain level of skill and self-confidence for a woman to do her makeup on the train. You have to be comfortable with people watching you cover up your dark circles, you have to be able to use eyeliner without poking your eyes out; and, you have to put up with people like me thinking that shade of red just doesn’t look quite right for your complexion.
I’ll admit to pulling out my small mirror and adding a few touch ups to my lipstick every now and then on the train. I’m also guilty of looking at my reflection in the subway car windows to make sure there are no flyaway hairs. But, I’ve never been brave enough as the many women I’ve seen, who pull out makeup pouches and proceed to do their entire makeup routine on the train.
Although, I am too much of a coward to actually attempt the act myself, here are some tips I’ve observed if you’re ever running late to work, and desperately need to “put on your face.”
1. Have a makeup pouch ready with everything you need, so that you don’t go rummaging through your entire bag to find a tube of lipstick. You’ve already annoyed the person next to you when they were forced to inhale the scent of your mascara, so if you jab them with your elbow while looking through your bag, it could get ugly. You may want to invest in makeup pallets that come with everything you need for eyes, lips, and cheeks.
2. Save the eye pencil and eye lash curler for the office bathroom, or get this part out of the way while waiting on the subway platform for the train. Trains can be unpredictable at times with the speed, rocking motions, and instant breaks. You can accidentally poke yourself in the eye when using the above two eye products.
3. Use solid or cream based makeup. The subway is no place to pull out your kabuki brush and apply your face powder in brisk circular motions. Powder makeup travels, and if the person next to you is wearing a white colored shirt and the shimmery pink eye shadow you were applying drifts their way, the last thing you are going to have to worry about is your makeup.
4. Carry baby wipes or Wet Ones ® Antibacterial Hand Wipes. Last time I checked, there are no bathrooms in commuter trains (although that would be awesome!). After applying, smudging and blending your makeup with your fingertips, use portable wet cloths to clean your hands.
5. Be comfortable with people staring at you. There is nothing to look at during a boring subway ride, so women applying makeup is a form of entertainment for straphangers. Also, you are, in fact, doing something that some people find offensive and feel should be done privately. So, if you are going to be applying makeup in the train, don’t give an attitude and dirty looks to the people staring your way. And, if the idea of having people stare at you makes you uncomfortable, just think about how uncomfortable you’re making the people around you feel.
