Threading Update!!!

Hi everyone!!  As you all know, right after Christmas, I was called in for work and therefore haven't had as much time to work on the blog.  However, I am working on it as and when I do get the chance so you'll be seeing some new things over the weekend.  Friday Alter Ego looks are definitely more time consuming but I promise to get a new one out soon.

Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that I tried to thread my eyebrows last night and the night before using the technique in the video I shared from You Tube.  It was a little awkward because I'm not used to it, but I wanted to share with you that it does work and I think it's amazing.  I don't think I'll ever go back to plucking my eyebrows again!!!  My eyebrows look as if I had gone to get it done professionally.  I guess the difference is that it's really hard to get a hold of the finer hairs when plucking but threading picks them up real easily.

Once you're done shaping your eyebrows, there may be some strands of hair that are longer.  Just use a pair of small scissors to trim those.  Brush your eyebrows up and whatever sticks out should be trimmed accordingly.

If you're worried about accidentally pulling hairs out that shouldn't be pulled, use a piece of tape to cover the parts of your eyebrows that you don't want to pull.  The video below shows you how to do that!  Anyway, try it out.  You'll be amazed at the results too I'm sure.  And, if you're not that good at it and feel awkward, just keep practicing like I am.

Monday Lunchtime Threading Video!!!

Hi ladies!!!  I just wanted to share with you something I discovered over the weekend.  Did you know that people actually thread their own eyebrows and upper lip???  I was really surprised when my friend Anita started to thread her own eyebrows and upper lip the other night before getting ready to go out.  My surprise came mainly due to the fact that she doesn't know much about makeup, but the one beauty thing that seems quite complicated and that not many people know how to do themselves...she could do!!!  And, for some reason, it really, truly never occurred to me that you could thread your own eyebrows and upper lip. 

Anyway, since Anita learnt how to do it through watching YouTube videos, I thought I'd share one with you!! 

At Home Solutions for Makeup!!!!

Last year, the world's economy was still in a slump and just like me, many of you probably had to cut back on some of your little luxuries in life.  Hopefully this year will be better and we'll all get that job, bonus, promotion or raise we want.  However, if it doesn't happen right away, there may still be a need to be conservative with our spending.  When it comes to makeup, here are some ways you can save a dollar or two, using everyday products found in your home.   

You want:  A new lipstick to replace a broken one
Solution: Keep any empty makeup container that has a twist top (like MAC Paintpot or Fluidliner containers).  You can transfer the broken product into this container, turning it into a 'potted' lipstick.  Use a teaspoon or blunt breakfast knife to press the product into the container until it has molded into the container nicely.  Now you can use your fingers or a lipstick brush to apply the product on your lips.

You want:  A new eyeshadow to replace a broken one
Solution:  Similar to the lipstick, keep a container with a twist top and just transfer all the loose eyeshadow powder into it.  You can still use powder eyeshadow in its loose form.  Many makeup companies even sell eyeshadow this way.

You want:  A makeup mixing palette
Solution:  If you're someone who likes mixing two foundation colours together but hates the mess it makes, a mixing palette is probably a good way to go.  However, before you go out and buy one, check at home to see if you have any old CDs you no longer use.  These make great mixing palettes.

You want:  A fan brush for dusting away fallen eyeshadow from your cheeks
Solution:  More often than not, eyeshadow falls on our cheeks during application.  It's quite unsightly when it's a very dark colour.  Fan brushes work really well to dust off the powder without disturbing your concealer and foundation.  But don't go out and buy one right away.  I'm sure you have a scotch tape of some sort lying around your home.  Use this to pick up loose eyeshadow powder that has ended up where it shouldn't. 

You want:  An eyelash curler
Solution: Curling your eyelashes is a very important step in completing any look.  However, eyelash curlers can be quite expensive.  Instead of buying one, use a teaspoon and press your eyelashes between the edge of the spoon and your thumb.  Heat the spoon with a hairdryer before using it if you want more staying power!!!

You want:  An eye makeup remover
Solution:  Waterproof eyeliner and mascara can be very hard to removed with just water and face wash.  It usually requires some kind of makeup remover.  Again, if you're trying to save some money, an extremely small amount of olive oil from your kitchen cabinet will do the trick.  Put some olive oil on a cotton ball just like you would with your makeup remover.  Olive oil is safe to use in this way and is an ingredient found in many skin products.

WARNING!!!!  DO NOT USE OTHER COOKING OILS!!!!

You want:  A makeup fixer spray
Solution:  Makeup fixer sprays are great if your makeup tends to fade quickly.  The spray helps to hold your makeup in place similar to how hairspray helps to keep your hairstyle in place longer.  A good solution is to use hairspray on your face too.  Once it dries, you won't feel the stickiness. 

And there you have it!!!  Just a few little ways to save a few bucks here and there!!  Don't forget, in these hard times, a little goes a long way!!