Thursday, June 9, 2011

How To Make Your Eyelashes Look Like Fake Lashes


Fake lashes are a major fashion trend these days.  They make your eyes look very sexy and glamorous.  We're not all born with naturally long and full lashes but we certainly love the look.  For those of you who might be allergic to the glues, can’t afford them, or just find the whole task of applying them daunting and time consuming, the steps below will give you that false lash look you’ve been dying for!



Things you'll need:

1.  Eyelash curler
2.  Blow dryer (optional)
3.  Two different kinds of mascara (they can be the same brand but need to be a different type)
3.  Eyelash comb

Step 1  Curl your lashes

The first thing you need to do is start by curling your lashes with your eyelash curler.    Make sure you get as close to the base as possible.  Once you have the curler on your lashes just give it a few good pumps and release.  Do this twice for a nice 'high and long' lash look. 

Tip:  Make sure when you put your lashes in the curler that you use your fingertip to even them out a bit so they separate nicely. 

Optional:  Use a blow dryer to heat your eyelash curler for about 10 seconds before curling.  Make certain to check that it's not too hot before putting near the eye.  It should be warm not hot.  Using a blow dryer to heat up your eyelash curler is the same concept as using a curling iron to curl your hair.  It just makes for a fast way to curl them.


Step 2  Apply first mascara
The next think you want to do is apply your first type of mascara.  Get as close to the base as possible then work your way up in a side by side motion.  This motion helps to get really great coverage on the lashes.  You'll want to put at least 3 or 4 coats of your first mascara on and then let it set for about two minutes.  Don't let it dry completely before applying the second type of mascara.  Your lashes need to still be a little tacky so that the second mascara can bind with the first and not cause unwanted clumping. 

Step 3  Apply second mascara
Apply your second type of mascara using the same techniques and instructions as in step 2 but only apply 2 or 3 coats.

Step 4  Press lashes
Once you've applied the last coat of your second mascara, wait until it's almost dry and use your fingertips to press your lashes up and back very gently toward the eye.  This will help shape them into a higher position. 

Step 5 Comb your lashes
Use your eyelash comb to separate your lashes to your desired position of them. 

Tip:  Use a metal eyelash comb for better separation results. 

If you find that using fewer or more coats of mascara works better for you then by all means change it up.  Not all eye shapes are the same, nor are all lashes. It may take a few times to get your desired results but with a little practice you should be able to create the false eyelash look in no time.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Homemade Facial Scrub - For All Skin Types

Facial scrubs are used to exfoliate the thin layer of dead skin cells that accumulate on our skin throughout the day which tends to dull our complexion. These dead skin cells (if not removed) can clog the pores which can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne

Another great benefit of exfoliating is that it can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by gently removing that first layer of skin, thereby giving your skin a clean, fresh, and polished look. 

Below is one of my favorite recipes. Its gentle properties make it perfect for all skin types.   (If you have oily skin just add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the recipe to act as an astringent)  The best thing about this scrub is that it’s quick, easy, and cheap! 


Make exfoliating a part of your daily or weekly beauty routine and you’ll be amazed by the results!

Oatmeal & Honey

Recipe:
¼ cup plain uncooked oats (ground)
1 tablespoon of honey
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional…use for oily or combination skin)


In a small bowl, mix the honey and oats together until it forms a nice sticky paste.  Using the tips of your fingers, gently massage the paste onto your face and neck in circular motions-avoiding the eye area.  Leave the scrub on your face for 10 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.  Pat your face dry with a clean towel.

Note:  Do not use this recipe if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.

If you’ve got a great recipe to share, you can send it to me via the email link below and I’ll be happy to add it to the site.

Monday, May 30, 2011

OLIVE OIL in your Beauty Routine? ABSOLUTELY!

Olive oil is such a versatile and natural product that can play a huge role in your beauty routine.  It can replace many of your expensive products thereby costing you LESS! 

No need to use your expensive Greek or Spanish Extra Virgin Olive oil for your beauty routine either, just purchase an inexpensive bottle of domestic olive oil and you can cut down the cost even more. 

Here are some great ways to incorporate olive oil into your daily beauty routine.

  1. Skin softener.   Rub olive oil daily on extremely dry skin areas, such as elbows and feet, especially after a shower, shaving, and waxing.  A great way to apply it, if you’d prefer a gentle mist, is to spend a few bucks on the Misto olive oil sprayer. This little product will also save you mucho dinero in the long run!
  2. Bath oil.   Replace that expensive bath oil (that often contains harsh chemicals that just leave you feeling even ‘more dry’ and itchy) with a few tablespoons of olive oil to your running bath water.  You’ll love the way your skin feels afterwards.
  3. Lip scrub.  Say goodbye to dry and chapped lips.  Simply combine 1 tsp of sugar and.  Don’t scrub too hard.  After scrubbing, rinse the mixture from your lips and towel dry.  Afterwards, just dab a bit of olive oil on your lips and leave it on as a lip conditioner.   Your lips will love you!
  4. Makeup remover.   Just dab a bit of olive oil onto a cotton ball and wipe the face free of your makeup just as you would use any regular makeup remover.  It’s even gentle enough to use around the eyes.  Then wipe off with a damp cloth.  You can then proceed with washing your face as you normally would.
  5. Stretch Marks.  Rub olive oil directly on your skin in any area(s) that you’re trying to avoid getting stretch marks (such as on the belly during pregnancy) and also on pre-existing stretch marks to lessen their appearance.
  6. Hair Conditioner.   This technique is done best on a day when you’re staying at home doing housework or in the evening after work when you have a few hours before bed, or better yet left on overnight during sleep.  The oil is to be applied to dry hair.  First, pour a bit of olive oil onto your hand, rub your hands together, and then rub the oil through your hair.  Pin your hair up to keep it off of your shoulders or use a shower cap (especially if you’re leaving it on overnight).  After you’ve left it on for as long as you’d like, shampoo and towel dry as you normally do.  This leaves your hair feeling soft, shiny, silky, and health!
  7. Nails.  Rubbing a very small amount of olive oil onto your cuticles and nails (giving them a good massage) will keep your cuticles soft and intact as well as give your nails a beautiful shine.
If you want to save even more money, try using the 'Misto Olive Oil Sprayer.'  It allows for a more even distribution while using less oil.  I just love mine!  You can use it to spray the oil in your hair rather than rubbing it through your hands, and to apply a light mist after your shower or bath, etc.  It really is a great little money saving device if you find that these olive oil tips are working well for you