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How To Cover Pimples and Scars with a Combination of Concealers

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Written by Nancy

Today beautiful blogger Nancy of Miss Nancy’s Fancies shows step-by-step how she covers pimples with a combination of concealers.

How I conceal my blemishesLately I’ve been getting different kinds of breakouts — from small zits to big cystic acne — and after a lot of trial and error I came up with a system of different ways to conceal different types of breakouts. Here is how I conceal my blemishes with a combination of green concealer, cream concealer, mineral concealer, and mineral foundation.

When I took these pictures I had an active pimple (A), scars (S), and pink bumps (B) on my cheek. The active pimple was bumpy, but the scars were flat.

For active pimples I like to use a green concealer first, since my pimples tend to be very red, and using a cream concealer alone doesn’t cover up the redness. Here I’m using Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer in Cover Green ($6).

How I conceal my blemishes

I use a concealer brush to apply cream concealer over the scars, only on the discoloration. Using a small concealer brush makes the application very precise, which is important here because we only want to conceal the discoloration and not the skin around it. Here I’m using Laura Mercier Secret Camoulage/Secret Concealer in SC-2 and Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Brush ($26).
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Saturday Surfing, or Beehive Deconstruction 101

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Photo by mattk1979

Howaya, girlie? How’s trix? Did you celebrate Halloween last night? Tonight? Not interested at all? I’m going to that party on the boat in a few hours, and I STILL haven’t completely settled on a costume, but I’ve narrowed it down to 1) a wannabe member of Run-D.M.C. or 2) a ’50s sock hopper. Party City was NO help at all, though. I just got back from there, and it was all Lord of the Flies. You get down to the wire, and the Halloween stores turn into the Galápagos Islands (survival of the fittest)!

What should I be for Halloween?

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Oh, so last night I rented Legion, and it scurred me out of my seat — no, really! I literally jumped off the couch screaming. Rottentomatoes got it wrong with this one, I tell ya. I think it’s a lot better than 19%. The premise is simple, though, as they so often are with horror movies — humans on the verge of extinction, the characters have to protect a pregnant woman who’s about to bear the future savior of mankind, etc., etc. No, her name wasn’t Sarah Connor. 🙂 If you see it (or saw it), let me know what you think.

Before I settled down to watch the movie last night, I had to deal with the beehive.

Not surprisingly, taking it apart was even more fun that putting it together.

I actually kinda like this look…


Yes, I’m sitting still in these

Untangling the hive wasn’t half as hard as I thought it would be. One word: shower. By the time I stepped out my mane was tangle-free.

Beehive Deconstruction 101

1. Get Wet (Not the Most Complicated Set of Instructions, Are They?)

I stood beneath the shower head for about two minutes to soak the hive completely, but I didn’t just stand there tapping my foot. While I waited I busted out a new face cleanser, the Korres’ $21 Milk Proteins Cleanser (for dry skin) and gave my mug a gentle massage, ahh…

2. Condition from Roots to Ends (Repeat if Necessary)

I worked two heaping handfuls of conditioner into my hair, massaging from roots to ends, and after rinsing I did it again. By then I’d worked out most of the knots and tangles.

Since I knew I’d need a lot of product, I went with my favorite drugstore detangling conditioner, Garnier Fructis Body Boost Conditioner ($5 for a 25-oz. bottle). It’s not the most moisturizing conditioner in the world, but it’s cheap, and I like the tart green apple scent.
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Halloween Hair and Makeup from 1988: 10 Ways to Rock a Totally Legit ’80s Costume

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It’s fun to think of the ’80s as a series of John Hughes films where cool kids cruised high school hallways in preppy sweaters, chunky cable-knit vests and Members Only jackets.

Yeah…it soooo wasn’t like that (well, not all the time).

For some of us who grew up in the decade, it was also about obnoxiously big hair, Esprit sweaters, Michael Jackson zipper jackets and scrunchies.

LOTS of scrunchies.

If you’re thinking about dressing up like an ’80s girl for Halloween this year, you’ve come to the right place!

Break out your Aqua Net and Guess jeans because it’s time for…

10 Ways to Rock a Totally Legit ’80s Costume!

By the time we’re done, it’ll be 1988. 🙂

1. The Scrunchie

The ’80s were a hair-raising decade. The bigger, the better, and elastic was a girl’s best friend.

Short on time to get ready for the big Halloween fete? No prob. That’s what scrunchies are for. First, pump up your bangs with a firm hold hair spray. Then, put your hair up in a high side pony with a ponytail holder, and decorate with a scrunchie in the color of your choice.

2. OPTIONAL: The Banana Clip

The banana clip works like a combined ponytail holder and scrunchie in one, but nowadays they can be a little hard to find.

3. Find a Shirt That Matches Your Scrunchie

IMPORTANT: Ideally, it should be button-down, oversized and hang down just above the knees — anything longer, and you risk concealing your tight acid washed jeans.

4. Don’t Forget the Big Broach

For true ’80s legitimacy, secure an obnoxiously huge broach to the top button of your shirt. CAUTION: Move slowly to avoid accidentally poking yourself with the pin (yes, I speak from experience).


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Dark Under-Eye Circles Hate This Power Couple

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Reader Anna made my day week when she recently had this to say about one of the banes of my existence:

Your under-eye circles are virtually invisible! What concealer have you been favoring these days?

Hi Anna,

OOH, GURL, that’s the new MAC Pro Longwear Concealer ($16.50)/Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener ($18) combo (Longwear applied on top of Photo Op).

I don’t remember what prompted me to try the two of them together, but let me tell you — they’re frickin’ rad, especially when my dark circles look extra dark and purplish.

First, I blend in a few dots of Photo Op (a golden peach liquid with a hint of shimmer) under each eye to prime them for concealer. I’ll give them about a minute to dry and follow up with MAC Pro Longwear Concealer patted and blended right on top.

I’m normally an NC 35 in MAC foundation, but I’ve been using Longwear Concealer in NW 30 because I think its peachier tones do a better job on my dark circles.


Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener and MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in action

The combo diligently conceals my dark circles for a solid 12-16 hours before showing any signs of fatigue (smudges or migrating).

I haven’t gotten anywhere near this kind of coverage since timeBalm.

This two-fer is totally kicking @ss, and I hope your dark circles loathe it just as much as mine do. 🙂

Products mentioned in this post…

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Can You Recommend a Tinted Moisturizer for Dry Skin?

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Emma, a new bride (congrats!) and MBB reader, recently emailed with a question about tinted moisturizers — something right up our alley!

Emma writes:


Hi Karen,

Hope you’re having a nice day. 🙂

I got married yesterday! How exciting is that?! It was perfect at the courthouse and then a brilliant dinner afterwards.

Anyway, that’s beside the point. I wanted to ask you and the readers what tinted moisturiser (with SPF of course) you’d recommend? I have been using Benefit You Rebel Lite but I find that the colour is too yellow and it sits on my face (I’m NW 15-20). I also tend towards dry skin (but never break out) so I’m looking for something that moisturizes well.

Can you help me?

Hi, Emma!

Ah…tinted moisturizers. I put ’em right up there with Nutella as one of the greatest inventions of all time! Seriously, I never leave home without a tube (or two or three).

But first things first — they can really vary in coverage. In general a good fitting tinted moisturizer should offer enough coverage to even out your complexion without appearing (or feeling) heavy on your skin.

I’ve used quite a few over the years, but here are three I flat-out lurve:

1. Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($42, available in nine shades)

I know I probably sound like a broken record, but I’ve been wearing Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturizer FOR YEARS. It’s the barometer against which I measure tinted moisturizers because, frankly, it’s tops! I’m talking sheer-to-medium coverage that’s easy to build wherever I need some extra help, and it doesn’t bug my sensitive, acne-prone skin.

I also love how natural it looks (despite containing SPF 20). Downsides? Well, it’s pricey, and it only comes in nine shades.

2. Tarte Smooth Operator SPF 20 ($36, available in 11 shades)

If you’re generally happy with your skin and just need a little help here and there, Tarte Smooth Operator might be the way to go. It’s quite sheer, having just the faintest hint of color, but it’s usually enough to eliminate any redness I might have and/or to even out my skin tone.

3. Dior HydrAction Deep Hydration Skin Tint SPF 20 ($38, available in four shades)

Okay, this one’s a little hard to find these days (it looks like Dior’s replaced it with a new product called Hydra Life Pro-Youth Skin Tint SPF 20), but if you can still track it down and happen to have a skin tone that works with one of the four shades (VERY limited shade selection), you’re in luck!

This highly pigmented tinted moisturizer offers fantastic coverage and rich hydration without feeling heavy (see my original review here) on my skin. I’m serious — it’s great stuff, especially if you’re looking for full coverage.

What do ya say, homies? Do you have any other recommendations for Emma? Which tinted moisturizers do you like, and which ones do you loathe?

Please share in the comments. 🙂

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

How Do You Stop Eyeliner from Migrating?

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Yesterday MBB reader Megan emailed with a question about something that I’m guessing all of us have encountered at one time or another but may have been too shy to discuss: eye boogers.

Yep, eye boogers. 🙂

Megan writes: I have a problem with eyeliner buildup in the outer wrinkles between my lower and upper lids. What I can I do about it? Also, to be blunt, eyeliner builds up with my eye boogers throughout the day, and it makes me want to stop lining my upper or lower lashes. How do I remove them without messing up my makeup?

Hi Megan!

Ahh, migrating eyeliner… Such a pain, isn’t it? But there’s hope! You didn’t say which liner you’re using, but I’m assuming it’s a pencil or cream because both are rather nomadic and tend to migrate throughout the day.

Here are a couple of things you might try:

Layer a primer beneath your liner

LOL! I just made a rhyme. 🙂 Seriously, though, if you haven’t tried using an eye primer, give one a try. They’re like makeup magnets, strengthening the hold of eye products that are layered on top of them. I’ve been using Urban Decay Eden Primer Potion ($18) lately and am pretty happy with it, but Too Faced Shadow Insurance ($18) and LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer ($20) work well for me, too.

Set your liner with a coordinating powder eyeshadow

If you’re lining your eyes with pencil, it could help to set your liner by applying a powder eyeshadow directly on top. For black liners, consider MAC Eyeshadow in Print; for browns, try MAC Eyeshadow in Brun ($14.50 each). I like to use an angled brush like the MAC 266 Small Angled Brush ($19.50) for precise application.

Switch to a long-wearing liquid or gel

Liquid and gel liners can take a little more time to apply than pencils do…but they frickin’ stay on like Donkey Kong! The most smudge-proof, user-friendly ones I’ve worn are LORAC Front of the Line Pro Liquid Liner ($22) and MAC Fluidline Gel Liner ($15).
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Which Do You Prefer: Brown or Black Mascara for Blondes?

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Earlier this week MBB reader Emma emailed to ask for mascara recommendations. She’s a blonde beauty, and I’m hoping we can help her out.

“Hey Karen!

So I am in high school and a blonde and very pale. Should I wear brown mascara or black mascara? Will black be too harsh?”

Hi, Emma. Hmm… I have blonde friends that like both, and I think both colors look great — it really depends on the look you’re going for. In general, though, for a natural look, I’d suggest brown, and for a more amped-up, dramatic look, try black.

This, of course, coming from a brunette. 🙂

You might want to try a few drugstore mascaras first to figure out which color you like better. Rimmel makes a few affordable drugstore mascaras that work pretty well. Two to consider: Rimmel Glam Eyes Mascara in Black Brown ($7) and Rimmel Glam Eyes Lash Flirt in Black ($7 each).

Oh! I also asked the girls on Twitter for some recs, and here’s what they had to say:

Ultimately, I like to follow the “there are no rules” philosophy when it comes to makeup, and I think it’s safe to go with whichever route you like best.

Do you have any specific mascara recommendations for blondes like Emma? Maybe some brands or colors you really like? 🙂 Please share in the comments.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

A Benefit Sunday Funday Makeup Tutorial: Purple and Bronze Eyes Any Day of the Week

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benefit sunday funday palette eye makeup tutorial

Is it wrong to want Sunday brunch on a Wednesday afternoon? — or to get a little dolled up and don colorful makeup in the middle of the week? I hope not, because today the Benefit Sunday Funday palette and I have reservations. We’re doing a daytime/brunch look together featuring eyes in purple and bronze.

To test the versatility of the brushes that come with the kit, I told myself not to use any other brushes for this look, which was tough because I’m really picky about my eye brushes. I usually ditch the ones that come with palettes like this one, but the Sunday Funday brushes actually shine like stars. I wouldn’t toss my best brushes for ’em, but they should be great for trips and purses when you want to travel light.

Benefit Sunday Funday The Maggie Collection


The Benefit Sunday Funday Palette

Despite the palette’s name, I’m guessing these colors are safe to wear any day of the week, ha!
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