Beauty Tips

Makeup Tips from Olympic Skater Johnny Weir

February 17th, 2010 by Karen 38 Comments

Isn’t the Winter Olympics cool? I’m a big fan of the figure skaters. All that grace and power on ice, and they do it with such panache, too. I, on the other hand, don’t. I’m a mess on skates. On a good day I’ll stand; on a great day I’ll move forward, but I don’t think I’ve ever stopped or turned without crashing into something.

Maybe I just need one of those sparkly, over-the-top costumes… That could be what I’m missing — spandex and sequins. 🙂

If you caught the men’s short competition last night, you probably saw three-time U.S. champion Johnny Weir tear it up on the ice. The boy’s one of the most entertaining (and downright sassy) skaters I’ve seen in a long time. Tabs doesn’t always support Johnny’s costume decisions, but he absolutely loved last night’s black spandex outfit with the pink tassel (at the top). Seriously, Johnny, two paws way up!

Not only does Johnny shine on skates, but he’s also a MAC fan and makeup maven. We traded emails before the games, and he was nice enough to share a few makeup tips.
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Tuesday Beauty Tips: Do You Feel Like a Hamster on a Wheel?

February 16th, 2010 by Karen 43 Comments

I managed to get to bed early last night, but I didn’t fall asleep right away. Tucked under the covers, I let my mind wander (and wander and wander) for more than an hour, and it was actually kinda nice. 🙂

Does this happen to you? — Do you get the feeling there just isn’t enough time at the end of most days to decompress (when did our to-do lists get so long?!?)? I think it might be why I feel stuck in a creative rut.

This “stuck-ness” happens to me every once in a while, and it isn’t limited to creativity. Have you ever gone through a time in which you felt like a hamster on a wheel, like you were repeating the same tasks, mistakes or bad habits over and over again? I have, more than once.

Last night, as I lay in bed, I tried to think of ways out of my rut and remembered something that’s worked for me before: writing an inspiring list.

This morning I asked friends on Twitter to share some of their inspirations…

By using a list of things (quotes, songs, people, pets, paintings, poems, books, precious memories, flowers, collectible coins — whatever they are) that move me as jumping off points for even MORE ideas, maybe, just maybe, I’ll find a way out of my rut.

It’s free and easy if you’d like to try it with me. 🙂 All we need is something to write with and a seat someplace quiet for a few minutes.

Step One (there’s really only one step): Write a list of things that inspire you.

Sometimes I find it easier to start with my eyes closed, and I don’t think you have to put a lot of deep thought into it, either. If something moves you in any way, add it to your list.

Here are some of the things on mine…
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15 Reasons to Love Drugstore Beauty Products

February 6th, 2010 by Karen 47 Comments

DAMN! Drugstores rock… Imagine how much damage you could do with $150 at a CVS, Rite-Aid or Walgreens. You could get all 15 of these drugstore beauty gems and still have a little left over for candy. 🙂

Here are 15 of my favorite drugstore beauties. Each of these gets an A+ from me.

Yes to Carrots Lip Tints

“They cost a mere $4.50 each (that’s my mid-morning latte, yo!) but have a super smooth, buttery texture that makes ’em feel a lot more expensive than that. Texture-wise they remind me of the $22 Guava lipsticks by Korres. That’s how slick and creamy they feel.”

Full Review | $4.50

Johnson’s Body Care 24-Hour Moisturing Body Wash and Lotion

“Moisturizing Body Wash … rinses clean and doesn’t leave a noticeable residue. Now, the humungo 20.3 fl-oz. bottle is bigger than Ernest Hemingway’s ego, but because it’s so big I feel like I’m getting a good deal. I even tried to see how it would work as an emergency shave cream, and it worked great.”

Full Review | $6

EcoTools Bamboo Bronzer Brush

“Compared to department store brushes costing $20 and up, it’s a bargain superhero — affordable, with dense, super-soft bristles that deposit just the right amount of color on my skin. Not only that, but it’s quite the multitasker, too…”

Full Review | $12

Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Flat Top Blusher Brush

“BOW DOWN before the mighty Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Flat Top Blusher Brush. Marvel at its multi-tasking prowess and how it applies blushes and foundations with ease. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself trembling — with glee! — at the cash register. Not only is this brush amazing, but it’s also cheap — $14.99. Holla!”

Full Review | $15

Soap and Glory Off Your Face Cleansing Cloths

“These wipes work overtime! You know how after you use some wipes you feel like you have to rinse? Like they’ve left a residue? I don’t feel that way after using Off Your Face. After wiping down with one of these … my face and neck feel squeaky clean.”

Full Review | $7

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10 Top Beauty Tools

January 30th, 2010 by Karen 61 Comments

Last week I asked you about your favorite beauty tools and mentioned a couple of mine. Here are 10 of our favorites among favorites — the beauty tools we can’t live without.

1. Tweezerman Tweezers

An Allure Best of Beauty winner nine years running, the Tweezerman just might be the finest general purpose tweezer in the world! Whether you’re an eyebrow artist or the girl next door, the Slant Tweezer’s ($20) perfectly aligned, hand-filed tips will grab every hair, every time. Available in classic stainless steel finish, Signature Red, Neon Pink, Blooming Lilac and Khaki Gold.

TIP: Tweeze in the direction your hairs grow to keep from breaking strands. Tweezing is also easier after a hot shower, or you can use a warm washcloth to open pores. To close pores when you’re finished (and reduce redness and irritation), rinse with cold water.

2. MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush

I like everything about the MAC 239 ($24.50). It’s soft and dense (just like Tabs!), and shades and blends eyeshadows like a dream. The head is tapered and rounded, with smooth, firm fibers that deposit lots of color. It’s one of the beauty tools I’m not sure I could (or would rather not) live without.

TIP: You can use it to apply powders AND creams, and when you’re done using it, if you don’t have time for a thorough brush cleaning with brush cleaner or a gentle shampoo, you can wipe the bristles down with a Wet Ones Wipe.

3. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

The Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler ($19) is practically iconic! — a legendary beauty tool, perfectly balanced and precise like a ninja’s sword. The shape of the curling surface, frame length, ergonomic handles and hinge help it to deliver the right amount of pressure to delicate eyelashes. Amazingly enough, it also suits just about every eye shape out there.

TIP: Curl before applying your mascara to reduce the risk of pulling out or breaking your lashes, and here’s a tip to get a natural lash curl.

4. MAC 217 Blending Brush

An everyday brush for shading and/or blending color or cream products. With fine, densely packed fibers and an oval head, the MAC 217 ($22.50) will take your makeup game to the next level.

TIP: A super versatile brush you can even use as a crease brush or to apply/blend cream or liquid products (like concealer).

5. Clarisonic Skincare Brush

Heavy duty hardware like the Clarisonic ($195), a gentle, sonic micro-massager (ala the Sonicare Toothbrush), removes makeup better than anything I’ve ever used before. Gentle enough to use twice/day, it also helps reduce oily areas, dry skin patches, blemishes and the appearance of visible pores, fine lines and wrinkles.

TIP: If you’re gonna pick one up, shop at a store with a good return policy (like Sephora) because it may take a couple weeks to see results (and they’re HELLA expensive). You want the option of being able to take it back if you need to.
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Save Bottles of Old Nail Polish, Broken Pans of Powder Makeup and Flimsy Brushes from the Scrap Heap

January 24th, 2010 by Karen 54 Comments

Heya, ladies. 🙂 How’s it going? Question for you: how do you feel about makeup repair? When one of your favorite products gives up the ghost, do you let it go softly into that good night, or do you try to pull it back from the brink?

I’m like an American Gladiator when it comes to pulling! I HATE to throw salvageable makeup away, especially discontinued or limited edition stuff. I’d rather keep a busted pan of something precious than relegate it to the big makeup dump in the sky.

Resurrect thickened nail polish with a few drops of nail polish remover (Or thinner, as MANY others have suggested in the comments)

Thinner and nail polish remover (one containing acetone) work best (actually, thinner works best), but household rubbing alcohol (isopropyl 91%) will also work in a pinch (although not quite as well). Just add a few drops to a drying bottle of nail polish, shake for 2 minutes, and you should be good to go. A quick way to get at least a few more uses out of a polish you may have otherwise thrown away. 🙂

UPDATE: Thanks, ladies, for the comments about thinner vs. nail polish remover to salvage a trash-bound polish. I prefer thinner to either remover OR rubbing alcohol (it’s more of a long-term fix), and I only reach for the remover or rubbing alcohol when I DON’T have a bottle of thinner laying around. 🙂

–> I feel bad about this… but for the first time in three years of blogging, after 80,000 comments, I had to ban two people today for being overly aggressive. I’m totally cool with respectful disagreements in the comments, but let’s keep it friendly. No hostility please.

I’ve also read that regular old clear nail polish will work as a substitute for thinner or polish remover, but I haven’t given it a try.

Smooth a cracked pan of powder makeup

There are quite a few variations on this one, some more complicated than others, but adding a few drops (3-5, depending on the size of the compact or pan) of rubbing alcohol to a cracked pan of eyeshadow and pressing with a spoon or a coin can make a broken powder product look like new again.
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What’s Your Top Tool for Better Beauty?

January 23rd, 2010 by Karen 54 Comments

Let’s get down to brass tacks here, ladies. When it comes to tools, some jobs are just plain easier with the right ones. Seriously, imagine a painter without her favorite brush or a photographer without her favorite lens. Things are no different in the worlds of makeup and beauty. We have HUNDREDS of tools to choose from. I mean, what would I do without the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler or MAC 217 Blending Brush? Sure, I’d survive, but come on! Life is hard enough as it is. 🙂

So tell me — what’s your top tool for better beauty? Vote for yours in the comments like this, using the word VOTE before your answer:

Oh, this is easy! For me it’s gotta be the T3 Hairdryer. I swear that thing is made from pure love and magic.
VOTE: Bespoke Labs T3 Featherweight Dryer

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

5 of My Favorite How-To Beauty Posts and Tips of the Year

December 28th, 2009 by Karen 9 Comments

1. Get Pin-Up Girl Hair with Help from Rsession Tools

Mad Men, look out! Big hair is back, ladies, and you may have to duck through doorways if you have this literally hair-raising experience. 🙂

2. How To: Bring a Pimple to a Head

Whoever said that patience is a virtue probably never had one of those sore, swollen pimples just under the surface of their skin. When you can’t take it any more and NEED zit help NOW, here’s a list of tips that might help — from hot compresses to hydrocortisone cream.

3. AllThatGlitters21: How To Deal with Mascara on Your Eyeshadow

Here’s a quick way to handle one of the more annoying things that sometimes happens when applying mascara.
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DIY Beauty with Kitchen Cosmetics

December 16th, 2009 by Karen 30 Comments

How to make your own cosmetics at home
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to become a better cook, and because I’m also hopelessly addicted to beauty, 🙂 I’d like to include a smattering of DIY kitchen beauty recipes as well.

There’s just something about making homemade beauty products, isn’t there? — the idea of whipping something up from scratch, skipping the preservatives and really *feeling* the ingredients in your hands?

It turns out that homemade versions of many popular beauty products are easy to make with ingredients that most cooks have readily at hand.

But if you add the following three drugstore ingredients to your next shopping list, your repertoire of potential kitchen beauty recipes expands by leaps and bounds.

NOTE: Be mindful of allergies. If you can’t eat it, your skin may not like it either. 🙂

Glycerin: a humectant that binds moisture to the skin (works far better than water alone)
Sweet almond oil: a better alternative for DIY skincare recipes than vegetable oil
Kaolin clay: great for tightening and cleansing

source

Exfoliating skin cleanser

Mix the following ingredients in a large bowl:

2 heaping spoonfuls of kaolin clay
1 tbsp ground rice (to exfoliate)
1 tbsp ground almonds
1/2 tbsp wheat flower
1/2 tbsp almond oil
5 capsules of evening primrose oil
Dried coconut flakes
Dried beans (ground up in a coffee grinder)

Flatten the doughy concoction to about an inch thick. Roll it up, and cut slices to use when you exfoliate. Refrigerate any unused portion (should be used within a couple of days).

For extra troubled skin, add an antiseptic herb like thyme or freshly chopped fennel to the mix.

Exfoliating body scrub

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