In a hurry to get to that party? Whoops, you overslept and you're late to work! Here are some tips to speed-up your makeup routine - you may even be able to use these for your everyday routine, and have more time for that antioxidant filled cup of coffee in the morning...
Go to basic mode...
If you're in a REAL crunch, and only have about 5-10 minutes to put on your makeup, strip down your routine to the basics. Skip the eyeliner, for example, and go with a simple mascara brush. Here's a quick five-minute makeup routine:
• Lightly and quickly wipe your face with witch hazel on a cotton pad. This is a great way to clean your skin and get it ready for the application of your base lotion and makeup.
• Apply a thin coating of lotion - nothing greasy - even hand lotion will work in a pinch.
• Starting on your cheek, dab a fingertip with your foundation or base liquid. Spread quickly with your fingertips around the remainder of that side of your face and cheek. Don't forget to bring the makeup to just below your jaw line to avoid the tell-tale makeup "mask." Add more foundation or base, if needed - but, be careful; foundation makeup is not designed to cover up, only to blend and unify your skin color.
• Repeat the above for your other cheek, chin and forehead. Make sure that, even though you are in a rush, you blend carefully. It's important to do this in good light to see how that makeup is blending in.
• For a quick 'cover' on any blemishes, simply dab the foundation or base makeup very lightly (a q-tip will work here) and blend in. You don't have time for the full cover up, but this will definitely lessen the blemish effect until you have some time to do some cover up when you get a breather.
• Apply some rouge or blush on your cheekbones and blend in
• Apply mascara as usual. You may have to skip eye liner, eye shadow and other detail effects.
You're done. You'll feel and look better, even though you only had 5 minutes to do it!
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
Monday, 28 December 2009
The Origins of Makeup
Ladies (and, let's be honest, some men), when you're putting on your foundation, mascara and other makeup, do you wonder how this all came about? In other words, why do we wear makeup, and when did we start wearing makeup? It may come as a surprise to you that the wearing of makeup is a tradition that has been in existence for literally thousands of years.
Most historians agree that makeup as worn to enhance features was first worn by ancient Egyptians, circa 3,000 BC; that's more than 5,000 years ago. Tombs from the time period have been found with jars that contained a substance that helped keep the skin hydrated and fresh; this substance was called unguent, and it was worn by both women and men.
Jump forward to ancient Rome, when it was common for women and men to darken around their eyes with coal, whiten their complexion with chalk, and add a little 'blush' effect with natural dyes that were derived from the red rocks. Romans kept their teeth sparkling white by using pumice - a rough substance obtained from cooled volcanic lava.
During the European Middle Ages, and into the Renaissance, both women and (again) men valued pale skin, and as such, applied a variety of materials, some very harmful (for example, lead paint) to the applicant. Red rouge and bright lipstick were added to the facial repertoire in the 1700s, in part to exhibit a vibrant and bright personality. Although men at that time were powdering their wigs and faces, women added the brighter colors to their face as well. In general, men wore makeup universally until the mid-1800s in Europe and the United States.
Modern use of makeup (mascara, foundation/base, rouge, lipstick, eye liner/makeup and hair coloring) came into its own during the early 20th century. Mass marketing of makeup began in fervor in the 1920's and makeup was now worn by women of all socio-economic backgrounds.
Who would've thought that that eyeliner you delicately apply to your eyelids has been around (in some form or another) for over 5,000 years.
Next time you are sitting in front of your contemporary vanity table, think about the fact that several thousand years ago, a woman was doing the same thing in front of their makeup vanity table.
Most historians agree that makeup as worn to enhance features was first worn by ancient Egyptians, circa 3,000 BC; that's more than 5,000 years ago. Tombs from the time period have been found with jars that contained a substance that helped keep the skin hydrated and fresh; this substance was called unguent, and it was worn by both women and men.
Jump forward to ancient Rome, when it was common for women and men to darken around their eyes with coal, whiten their complexion with chalk, and add a little 'blush' effect with natural dyes that were derived from the red rocks. Romans kept their teeth sparkling white by using pumice - a rough substance obtained from cooled volcanic lava.
During the European Middle Ages, and into the Renaissance, both women and (again) men valued pale skin, and as such, applied a variety of materials, some very harmful (for example, lead paint) to the applicant. Red rouge and bright lipstick were added to the facial repertoire in the 1700s, in part to exhibit a vibrant and bright personality. Although men at that time were powdering their wigs and faces, women added the brighter colors to their face as well. In general, men wore makeup universally until the mid-1800s in Europe and the United States.
Modern use of makeup (mascara, foundation/base, rouge, lipstick, eye liner/makeup and hair coloring) came into its own during the early 20th century. Mass marketing of makeup began in fervor in the 1920's and makeup was now worn by women of all socio-economic backgrounds.
Who would've thought that that eyeliner you delicately apply to your eyelids has been around (in some form or another) for over 5,000 years.
Next time you are sitting in front of your contemporary vanity table, think about the fact that several thousand years ago, a woman was doing the same thing in front of their makeup vanity table.
Saturday, 26 December 2009
Choosing Eyeshadow
If women are given a choice between powder and cream eyeshadow, powder usually wins. Powder is the original form of eyelid coloring cosmetic and it has yet to be totally beat out by another formula. On some level, it just has to do with supply. In the cycle of basic economics, a product has to be available to be purchased. Well, there are just not as many cream eyeshadow on the market as powders. Furthermore, powders come in a larger variety of colors and combinations than cream eyeshadow cosmetics.
Typically, makeup manufacturers offer a single line of cream eyeshadow, which will be sold in individual tubes or cases for each color available. The same manufacturers usually offer several types of powder eyeshadow, which may come with each color in its individual case, but usually comes with two or more colors or shades in the same compact. Jane eyeshadow can even be bought in a Mix and Match Eye Collection or a Deluxe Eye Mixer, both of which have six or more color options in the same case. Jane is also one of the few companies to offer a quad compact in four creamy eyeshadow colors.
Most often though, the creams come in a little jar, and you will have to buy several to do any kind of contouring or eyeshadow design on your lids. However, some women prefer to have only one color on and also like to just apply their makeup quickly with their fingers, which is more easily done with creams. It should also be noted though that while most women say crease buildup is strictly a cream eyeshadow problem, it can also happen with powders if they are applied thick enough.
As far as creams go, there is a Benefit eyeshadow that has been called the best eyeshadow by several makeup reviewers. This creaseless cream eyeshadow/liner has been noted for living up to its name and staying put rather than running and building in the creases of eyelids. Still, with the recent trend towards mineral makeup and bronzers, powder is staying ahead in the eyeshadow market. There also seems to be a movement towards more natural looking makeup and that look can be hard to pull off with a glaze of creamy color under your brow. Lightly dusting your eyelids with more neutral toned powders is the better way to stick with the current fashions, but maybe creams will win more votes for next season.
Typically, makeup manufacturers offer a single line of cream eyeshadow, which will be sold in individual tubes or cases for each color available. The same manufacturers usually offer several types of powder eyeshadow, which may come with each color in its individual case, but usually comes with two or more colors or shades in the same compact. Jane eyeshadow can even be bought in a Mix and Match Eye Collection or a Deluxe Eye Mixer, both of which have six or more color options in the same case. Jane is also one of the few companies to offer a quad compact in four creamy eyeshadow colors.
Most often though, the creams come in a little jar, and you will have to buy several to do any kind of contouring or eyeshadow design on your lids. However, some women prefer to have only one color on and also like to just apply their makeup quickly with their fingers, which is more easily done with creams. It should also be noted though that while most women say crease buildup is strictly a cream eyeshadow problem, it can also happen with powders if they are applied thick enough.
As far as creams go, there is a Benefit eyeshadow that has been called the best eyeshadow by several makeup reviewers. This creaseless cream eyeshadow/liner has been noted for living up to its name and staying put rather than running and building in the creases of eyelids. Still, with the recent trend towards mineral makeup and bronzers, powder is staying ahead in the eyeshadow market. There also seems to be a movement towards more natural looking makeup and that look can be hard to pull off with a glaze of creamy color under your brow. Lightly dusting your eyelids with more neutral toned powders is the better way to stick with the current fashions, but maybe creams will win more votes for next season.
Monday, 14 December 2009
Breakup to Makeup - Six Tips You Didn't Know When Trying to Get Your Ex Back
When your girlfriend or boyfriend, husband or wife leaves you but you're still in love with them, how can you go from a breakup to makeup? What can do you that will help them to change their mind; is there anything you can do? Have you seen people easily go from breakup to makeup and wonder, "how in the world can I do the same thing?" For all those asking this question, here are some tips to help you win the love of your life back even after he/she dumps you.
Tip 1 - Learn Why The Relationship Failed
When you're trying to go from a breakup to makeup, you need to understand why the relationship failed. After all, no one wants to go back into a relationship where the same mistakes are repeated over and over and over again. Learn these mistakes and take steps that will prevent future ones from occurring. If you absolutely don't know what went wrong, you may want to try and find out. You may need to give yourself some time before you contact your ex to talk about what happened.
Tip 2 - Give Your Ex Some Space
When you're trying to win your ex back, you need to remember to give your ex (and yourself) some space. Remember that your ex called the relationship quits because he/she needed some space to figure things out. You may think that talking with your ex, stating your side of the case is the best thing for the survival of your relationship but if you want them back, steer clear. All you end up doing is pushing them further away and looking like a psycho.
Tip 3 - Improve Yourself Both Mentally and Physically
When you're in a relationship, it's not uncommon to let yourself go a bit especially physically; after all, you've gotten comfortable with your significant other. If you feel the need to lose weight, consider joining a gym or walk around your neighborhood. Consider taking a friend with you so that this doesn't bore you and end up quitting. On top of working out, you can also change your hairstyle, clothing style, etc. When you're trying to better yourself mentally, make sure to work through your breakup emotions. Work through them by talking to friends or writing down how you feel.
Tip 4 - Make Your Apologies
Another breakup to makeup tip is to apologize to your ex for your part in the downfall of the relationship and the eventual breakup. Let your ex know that you understand why they left and that they were right to do so; that things were obviously wrong and a breakup was inevitable. By making these apologies, you're working your way back into their life.
Tip 5 - Prepare To Talk
Once you've opened the lines of communication again, be prepared to talk about what happened. There may be some things that your ex is going to say that will end up hurting your feelings. Don't come to the talk, ready to argue your case. This is the time to take everything in and think. If you truly want to go from a breakup to makeup, then don't go on the offense; just listen to when he/she talks and expresses their feelings and what they expect now from you.
Tip 6 - Find Some Balance In Your Life
Your final breakup to makeup tip is to work on putting some balance into your life. Don't let one thing rule over another. For instance, when you're gone from work, leave work at home. When you're at work, leave your home life at home. This is also true when it comes to winning back your ex girl/boyfriend. When you and your ex get back together, you'll need to maintain some balance. Make sure you take time for yourself and time for your significant other.
With using the above six tips, you can go from a breakup to makeup in no time. Just remember that patience is a virtue and that in the end, you'll win. Just don't push the matter to go faster than your ex wants because that will only cause them to move further away, not closer, to you.
Tip 1 - Learn Why The Relationship Failed
When you're trying to go from a breakup to makeup, you need to understand why the relationship failed. After all, no one wants to go back into a relationship where the same mistakes are repeated over and over and over again. Learn these mistakes and take steps that will prevent future ones from occurring. If you absolutely don't know what went wrong, you may want to try and find out. You may need to give yourself some time before you contact your ex to talk about what happened.
Tip 2 - Give Your Ex Some Space
When you're trying to win your ex back, you need to remember to give your ex (and yourself) some space. Remember that your ex called the relationship quits because he/she needed some space to figure things out. You may think that talking with your ex, stating your side of the case is the best thing for the survival of your relationship but if you want them back, steer clear. All you end up doing is pushing them further away and looking like a psycho.
Tip 3 - Improve Yourself Both Mentally and Physically
When you're in a relationship, it's not uncommon to let yourself go a bit especially physically; after all, you've gotten comfortable with your significant other. If you feel the need to lose weight, consider joining a gym or walk around your neighborhood. Consider taking a friend with you so that this doesn't bore you and end up quitting. On top of working out, you can also change your hairstyle, clothing style, etc. When you're trying to better yourself mentally, make sure to work through your breakup emotions. Work through them by talking to friends or writing down how you feel.
Tip 4 - Make Your Apologies
Another breakup to makeup tip is to apologize to your ex for your part in the downfall of the relationship and the eventual breakup. Let your ex know that you understand why they left and that they were right to do so; that things were obviously wrong and a breakup was inevitable. By making these apologies, you're working your way back into their life.
Tip 5 - Prepare To Talk
Once you've opened the lines of communication again, be prepared to talk about what happened. There may be some things that your ex is going to say that will end up hurting your feelings. Don't come to the talk, ready to argue your case. This is the time to take everything in and think. If you truly want to go from a breakup to makeup, then don't go on the offense; just listen to when he/she talks and expresses their feelings and what they expect now from you.
Tip 6 - Find Some Balance In Your Life
Your final breakup to makeup tip is to work on putting some balance into your life. Don't let one thing rule over another. For instance, when you're gone from work, leave work at home. When you're at work, leave your home life at home. This is also true when it comes to winning back your ex girl/boyfriend. When you and your ex get back together, you'll need to maintain some balance. Make sure you take time for yourself and time for your significant other.
With using the above six tips, you can go from a breakup to makeup in no time. Just remember that patience is a virtue and that in the end, you'll win. Just don't push the matter to go faster than your ex wants because that will only cause them to move further away, not closer, to you.
Monday, 7 December 2009
How to Get Perfect Red Lips
There are several simple steps to getting those perfect red lips you want.
First, ensure that your lips are smooth and well-conditioned. Use lip conditioner on both the top and the bottom, then wipe it away. You do not want them to be wet when you apply the color. If your lips are dry or chapped, you may need to exfoliate them first.
Next, use lip liner, but use a cream stick liner to help you blend and control the lipstick. Start with the edges, then fill in the entire lip, which will help the color last a long time and prevent smudging or feathering. Be sure to open your mouth and get in the corners, or the part you miss will be visible when you are talking. Make sure your "cupid's bow" is well-defined.
Then, choose your lip color. Any deep red color that works well with your skin tone will do. But use a lip brush instead of applying it straight from the tube, since you can be more precise in your application of the color.
Add a gloss if that works well with your lips, or you can leave it with a matte finish. You can use either red or clear gloss. Place it in the center of your lips, then rub them together to smear it. Gloss helps accentuate your mouth and give it a fuller look.
Lastly, take a small brush and use some concealer around the outside of the lip line. This helps the lips stay well-defined, and will decrease the chances of the lipstick feathering. This helps your lips really pop. If you made any small mistakes in the earlier steps, the concealer will help correct that. Then blend the concealer out.
First, ensure that your lips are smooth and well-conditioned. Use lip conditioner on both the top and the bottom, then wipe it away. You do not want them to be wet when you apply the color. If your lips are dry or chapped, you may need to exfoliate them first.
Next, use lip liner, but use a cream stick liner to help you blend and control the lipstick. Start with the edges, then fill in the entire lip, which will help the color last a long time and prevent smudging or feathering. Be sure to open your mouth and get in the corners, or the part you miss will be visible when you are talking. Make sure your "cupid's bow" is well-defined.
Then, choose your lip color. Any deep red color that works well with your skin tone will do. But use a lip brush instead of applying it straight from the tube, since you can be more precise in your application of the color.
Add a gloss if that works well with your lips, or you can leave it with a matte finish. You can use either red or clear gloss. Place it in the center of your lips, then rub them together to smear it. Gloss helps accentuate your mouth and give it a fuller look.
Lastly, take a small brush and use some concealer around the outside of the lip line. This helps the lips stay well-defined, and will decrease the chances of the lipstick feathering. This helps your lips really pop. If you made any small mistakes in the earlier steps, the concealer will help correct that. Then blend the concealer out.
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