Showing posts with label eyelash curler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eyelash curler. Show all posts

Monday, January 2, 2012

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!!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

What About Mascara???

When it comes to mascara, the vast range available is quite remarkable.  There's waterproof, curling, volumizing, lengthening, conditioning, vibrating...you name it, it's out there.  Like me, you've probably tried all kinds of mascaras and from many different brands.  You've probably questioned whether most of these really did the job as well.  And one of the most common questions is whether a truly "clump-less" mascara exists. 

Curling mascara:
In my experience, as someone with pretty straight Asian eyelashes, curling mascaras don't really work on their own.  You're better off using an eyelash curler with a volumizing or lengthening mascara.

Volumizing mascaras:
This is the type of mascara I use.  I find that a good volumizing mascara really does do the trick.  My favourites have been Dior Show Black Out, L'Oreal Paris Extra Volume Collagen, Majorlica Majorca Lash Enamel Glamour and Maybeline Volume Express Cat Eyes.

Lengthening mascaras:
I've tried several lengthening mascaras in the past but prefer volumizing ones as my eyelashes are fairly long already. The problem I have is that they are not very thick.  I find it looks a little funny to have several "strands" of eyelash hairs fanning out from my eyes.  However, the lengthening mascaras that I felt worked well were L'Oreal Double Extension Ultra Lengthening and Maybeline Sky High Curves.

My all time favourites:
Mascaras come with different types of applicators.  Most of you are familiar with brush applicators in various sizes. 


Now there are applicators that look like little rubber combs. My Majorlica Majorca and Maybeline Volume Express mascaras have these applicators.  I prefer them as I find the product does not clump on the brush and therefore does not clump on my eyelashes. 



Important tips:
1) If your mascara does clump on your lashes, remove the clumps with an eyebrow grooming brush.  It looks just like a mascara applicator.  Comb it through your eyelashes from above, rolling the brush at the same time.  The mascara clumps will get caught in the bristles and get brushed out!!!



2) I've bought expensive, department store brand mascaras as well as pharmacy brands such as L'Oreal and Maybeline.  I find the pharmacy brands work just as well if not better.  I've never been a fan of Clinique or MAC mascaras.  My advice is save yourselves some money!  L'Oreal, Maybeline and Rimmel all have some great mascaras that do what they promise. 

3) If you're struggling to find a mascara that curls, lengthens and volumizes all in one, why not use 3 different mascaras?  I have a friend who layers her favourite lengthening mascara with her favourite volumizing mascara.  It works wonders! 

4) Finally, ALWAYS CURL YOUR EYELASHES!!!  It will open up your eyes and make them look bigger and brighter.  Shu Uemura has an amazing eyelash curler designed for Asian eyes.  It is shaped to catch every lash from corner to corner.