Makeup Does Not Have To Be Inexpensive, 2010 & 2011 Tips
Makeup Does Not Have To Be Inexpensive
You hear all about these palettes of makeup that cost thirty dollars for four colors. It turns out to be a lot smaller than what you expected, doesn’t last long on your eyelid, and you hate the colors. But the thing is—you don’t have to deal with expensive eyeshadows and glamorous, overrated lipsticks. It’s just a matter of finding something inexpensive and worth your money.
One thing to keep in mind is that less expensive eyeshadows don’t have as much pigmentation—but that doesn’t mean that you can’t figure out a means of using this to your advantage.
How? PRIMERS! Eyeshadow primer, face primer, and various other types of primer are a great way to make your makeup pop without having to spend a bundle. There are plenty of ways to get your makeup to last.
Eye primers can get a bit expensive—but that’s another story. You can take advantage of samples and use alternatives. Some are: chapstick (this honestly doesn’t sound like a good idea, but it is worth a shot), concealer, Milk of Magnesia (for those with oily eyelids. If you don’t have oily eyelids, steer clear.), Vaseline, and even an Elmer’s glue stick (also not recommended) or you can find a cheap but good primer for only a dollar or two. Some eyeshadows come with primer, depending on what you buy. Keep in mind that these are usually tiny.
Face powder is also a cheap makeup primer. It doesn’t last too long, but it does help a lot.
Also, use the proper brushes when applying your makeup. Brushes normally only cost a few dollars and some come with your kits. For eyeshadow, especially, try and find a good brush instead of the applicators that come with the makeup. You may not get as much color pay off the second you apply the makeup, but as you apply a little bit more at a time, you can layer it as dark or light as you want.
Eye Makeup Brushes: Why You Should Trash Your Applicators
Makeup Brushes: Why You Should Trash Your Applicators
If you’ve ever seen a celebrity’s makeup and wondered “How do I get mine so subtle, so pretty, etc?”, then the proof is in the pudding. Or, in this case, the makeup brush. Here are a few reasons you should use a makeup brush:
1. Color payoff. If you’re sitting there and finding that every time that you try to apply a certain color you end up applying it way too dark and looking like you have a black eye, then a makeup brush will fix that. It also gives you the option of layering and darkening the eyeshadow.
2. Blending. Say that you were using something in your crease. Most of the time with a makeup applicator, it’s way too bold. With a regular makeup brush, you can blend the color so much that it looks almost invisible. The color will look darker, but in a much more subtle way.
3. Fallout. For deeper colors, you don’t have to worry as much when it comes to fallout. Fallout is random specks of makeup that are on your brush and then fall on your face. They can be foundation disasters and result in you having to redo your whole face if smeared into your foundation. With a brush, the product clings a little bit better with a lot less excess.
Alright, so say that you’re convinced that you want to use makeup brushes. How many will you need for your eyes?
In all honesty, you’ll only need two. One for eyeshadow and one for eyeliner. An eyeliner brush can be used for cream eyeliner, eyeshadow for your lash line, and a couple of other things. But other than that, you don’t need anything else to keep your eyes pretty and popping.
NYC Eyeliner Duet in Black and Silver 2010
NYC Eyeliner Duet in Black and Silver
I’ve used NYC’s eyeliner duets for years, off and on because of their variety of colors. They have anything from purple to green to silver to blue. One of my favorites, however, it the black and silver and I frequently go back to it.
The product has very simple packaging. It is double sided, with each end having a body the color of the pencil itself. The pencils are about seven inches long and have a clear cap on each end to preserve your eyeliner. I find that the caps crack rather easily, but don’t usually break for a while. You can probably snag a little tape and tape the caps up before they crack. I haven’t tried this.
I do find that with most unnaturally colored pencils, they are either ridiculously soft or a bit hard. These are a bit on the hard side. A tip, (and this is for adults or needs to be done with adult supervision) is to set the tip on fire for about three seconds, until it starts to run. Blow it out and then let it sit for a few seconds or longer to let it set back up. It won’t be as sharp as usual, but it will provide adequate color payout.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to do the above to the black side. That side has never been too hard. It’s only the colors like purple and grey, etc.
This is a decent eye duo. It could be a bit better, but for the price, it can’t be beat. I find that it’s best to freeze these for an hour or two before you try to sharpen them.
Smashbox Makeup Gift Sets 2010
Smashbox Makeup Gift Sets
Smashbox is a makeup company that has plenty of different makeup gift sets for girls. These gift sets are ones that work with a number of different types of products that can be especially appealing to girls.
For girls who are looking to get the most out of their lips the Perfect Red Lips gift set is a great set to see. This is a set that features a lip exfoliant, a primer, a lip pencil and lipstick that works with Smashbox’s Sila-Silk material that helps to make lipstick silkier in feel. These materials are ones that are pleasant smelling and comfortable for the user.
The Heartbreaker gift set is also impressive for girls. This Smashbox set works with useful materials including a cheek color material, a liner pen, an eyeshadow set with six different colors that can be combined for one’s needs, mascara and lip shine that creates quality shines and can work with easy rolling processes. All of these materials are easy for girls to use and are very durable in terms of how they are built.
Photo Finish Primer sets are great for girls as well. These sets work with foundation primers that can be used to help with improving one’s skin texture so that it can be even all the way around. This is something that can be used to help with getting one’s face to look its best while keeping the skin from looking worn out. The materials used in these sets can be found in many different convenient and comfortable fragrances as well.
Oh Those Handbags, Compartment Syndrome
Oh Those Handbags, Compartment Syndrome
We have all been there. A purse is a very personal and important part of a girl’s life. We toil and agonize over our next “everyday” purse purchase. Our eyes glisten and our mouths salivate over the snips, clips, zips, pockets and pouches. The lining must be soft but supple. The straps must be the perfect length. Not to mention it has to just look cute.
So what’s with all the pockets and spaces and specially designated spots? They sucker me in every time! I look at my new potential shoulder buddy and I imagine how it will change my life. It has a spaces especially designed for my cell phone, mp3 player, pens and makeup. I could be the empress of organization! The contessa of clutter! All I have to do… is buy it.
Three months later, those pockets that once beckoned their promises of a better life are brimming with wrappers, receipts, ticket stubs and tampons. My cell phone? My mp3 player? Lost in the abyss of my life. Buyer’s remorse sets in and I realize that I am indeed a sucker for pockets.
After a self-intervention I said no more! I scoured department stores and designer boutiques with one goal in mind. No more compartments! After weeks of searching, I found a simple and stylish shoulder bag with just enough space for all my essentials. Instead of a compartment for the larger bulkier items, I purchased an additional wristlet to hold those little items that used to tinkle and jingle in every nook and cranny. The result? The simplicity and organization I have searched for my entire a life.