Saturday, February 27, 2010

Makeup Games and Mascara


Of all the items in makeup games, mascara is most often cited as the item someone just can’t live without. This is especially true if you have light eyelashes. Mascara does an amazing job defining the eye and making it pop in your facial features by outlining in the darker hue and lengthening your eyelashes. The eyelashes are one of the most subtle features on your face, but can have the most dramatic impact thanks to the dark power of mascara.

That being said, mascara can be abused if it’s not used correctly. When applying mascara, opt for a color that is natural for you. If you have very fair eyelashes, a black mascara is much too dark. Browns are more subtle. When applying the mascara, start at the root of the eyelashes and wiggle the wand slowly through your eyelashes to separate them and to coat each one with the mascara. You can apply mascara perhaps twice on each eye before it gets overwhelming and looks to be a bit heavy-handed. Most importantly, remember that mascara gets old and can go bad. Throw out your tube after six months or a year and replace it with another one. This keeps all kinds of yucky things from getting near your sensitive eye area.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Make Up Games for Under-Eye Circles


Tired? Even if you’re not you might still have unsightly under-eye circles. When faced with these huge dark rings under your eyes, you’ll want to take advantage of your make up games to make them go away.

Start by using a concealer that’s one shade lighter than your skin tone. A concealer too light will make your eyes look like reversed raccoon eyes. Dab the concealer from the corner of the eye out to the tip. Use the tip of your finger to blend it into your skin naturally. Next, apply your base over the concealer and your face, ensuring you’re doing a good job smoothing it over.

Finally, use a highlighter on your cheekbones just under your eyes. A bit of bright shine on your cheeks will make your eyes shine. A dab of highlighter at the corner of your eye can make your eyes shine as well. Avoid putting mascara on the bottom of your eyelashes as this can make the eye look heavy and dark again. Use a light application on the top lashes only and be sure to curl them first.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Make Up Games for a Big Red Zit


It’s happened to all of us and if it hasn’t happened to you, we don’t want to know about it. You wake up in the morning and there on your forehead is a gigantic red zit. Fortunately there are make up games you can use to get that zit off the red radar and into hiding. Covering a zit takes more than a bit of concealer, however.

Clean your face well to remove any oils and dirt that might have accumulated over night. If you’re just staying in, you might let the zit “air dry” for as long as you can since the make up can cause additional problem. Don’t pop the zit, but start with a yellow-based concealer. Put a tiny dot of the yellowed concealer on the red zit and then pat it gently to spread the concealer over it. The yellow helps to neutralize the red so be sure you cover the full red area.

Next, apply your foundation over your face, but skip the concealed zit. When it comes time for powder, however, be sure to apply it to the zit and then brush away the excess. You certainly don’t want powder clinging to the zit like a shelf.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Lips and Make Up Games


Your lips are used more heavily than any other area of your face, although you could make a good argument for your eyes. Yet the lips aren’t always treated as importantly as they deserve. Your lips take a beating throughout the day as they weather the weather and dry out in overheated classrooms. They get the brunt of the sun and are chewed on as you think of the next quiz answer. Rather than abusing your lips, why not start pampering them?

To get lovely lips, you’ll want to start with proper moisturizer. Lips should be kept moist throughout the day, but be careful. Most of the time, your lips can produce enough moisture on their own. By using additional moisture, you might create perpetual dry lips as they begin to rely on the alternative form. Exfoliate your lips using sugar, special facial cleaners or just a brisk rub on the towel as you dry off. Then apply a bit of Vaseline or cream to the lips overnight. You’ll wake up with beautiful, soft lips ready to kiss or just to smile at guys who rank as kissable.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Make Up Game and Eyes


The skin around your eyes is some of the most delicate skin on your face. Applying makeup and creams to your eye area requires a careful hand and a delicate choice in products. Heavy products can irritate this sensitive area and the wrong touch can be rather painful. When selecting products for the eye area, look for those that are designed specifically for this thin skin. A quick look at the box of most make up products will tell you to avoid the eye area.

If you’re picking up a new moisturizer, check to be sure it’s safe for the eyes. To be on the safe side, grab a special eye cream. Not only will it help keep that area looking great, you might be able to prevent aging signs as some of the first wrinkles appear in the eye area. Always use gentle strokes to apply eye makeup to avoid scratches or irritation on your eyelids. And most importantly, use a gentle make-up remover to get the make up off around your eye area. Harsh soaps and chemicals can dry out the skin in this area very quickly and should be avoided.