The Eyelash Curler is Your Friend

Although it looks like a little bit like a torture device, the eyelash curler is actually your friend. Using it before mascara application is a simple way to make your lashes and eyes look great!

Start with clean, dry lashes. While your eye makeup should already be in place, you should not have already applied mascara.

Looking straight into the mirror, open the eyelash curler and place it over the eye, placing your eyelashes are in between the two rubber or silicone eyelash pads. You can leave your eye open, or you may choose to close it, whichever is most comfortable for you. You will get a closer curl by leaving your eye open.

Make sure the curler is as close to the base of the lash, by the eyelid, as possible.

Without using a lot of pressure, gently close the curler at the base of the lash. Be as light as possible. Once you feel that you are not pinching any skin, apply more pressure, making sure to keep the pressure firm, but gentle.

Hold the curler in the center of the lash, and gently apply pressure again, just as you did in the previous step.

Repeat with the other eye. Add a coat of your favorite mascara.

Wasn't that easy? Fabulous looking lashes are now yours!

French Braiding Your Hair

The French braid is a great way to keep your hair off your face and look stylish doing it! Here are some instructions for braiding your own hair.

Take a 3-inch-long by 1-inch-wide section of your hair just above the forehead or behind your bangs. Divide the section into three even pieces which will start off your French braid.

Wrap your left thumb around the left section, palm facing front, fingers sticking straight up. Mimic the same posture on the right side, and let the middle section lie against the head.

Make a soft fist around the left section of hair, turning your hand so that your fingers rest on the head. Bring the section of hair in your right hand across the middle section and hook it with your left index finger.

Lead with the right thumb and cut about a 1-inch section of hair straight across the head, starting at the hairline and moving toward the middle section. Collect the middle section and pull all of the hair tight. The line of hair you collected in each section of your French braid should lie flat and smooth.

Make a soft fist with the right hand, fingers facing your scalp. Reach the right index finger over the middle section and hook the section of hair that's in your left fist. Pull it out gently, keeping a firm grip on the French braid sections in your right hand.

Let the section in your left hand dangle. Lead with the left thumb and cut about a 1-inch section of hair straight across the head, collect the middle section, then pull all of the hair tight. Turn the fist so that your fingers face your scalp.

Extend your left index finger to hook the section of hair that's in your right fist. Continue until the French braid is complete.

That it! This classic and neat look works well with just about any outfit.

Smooth and Sleek Hair - Flat Iron 101

The sleek, smooth, frizz-free hair look is hot right now. One of the best ways to achieve this look is by using a flat iron. If you have recently purchased a flat iron and are not quite sure how to use it, here are some tips to get you started. You may want to think about a ceramic flat iron. Ceramic is kinder to hair than metal. As you already know, heat can be very damaging to your hair, so be sure to apply a product formulated to be used with heated appliances to your hair before you start straightening. Keep up a good routine of weekly deep conditioning, too.

Begin the straightening process with clean and dry hair. After washing, blow drying your hair straight will make controlling curls easier. The best way to dry hair is in sections with a round, flat brush. Don't worry if it's still wavy or frizzy after drying because you can correct this with the flat iron.

Begin by separating your hair into sections vertically. The thicker your hair, the more sections you should have. Clip the top first. Next, make sections all the way down your head, and leave the last section loose.

Turn your hair appliance on medium or low heat. Test out lower levels of heat first to prevent burning. When you begin straightening, if you don't find the low heat to be effective, then turn up the heat.

Grab a section of your hair and place the iron as close to the roots as possible without it burning your scalp. Slide the iron down the section gradually. Don't stop in any one place or it will make your hair look crimped! Let go as the iron reaches your hand and pull the iron through to the ends.

Repeat this process from one side of your head to the other in a horizontal direction. After you complete each section, unclip the section above it and repeat the process.

Apply a straightening serum or hold spray to keep the look.

Enjoy your new smooth and sleek hair!

The Ponytail - Not just for bad hair days

The days of the ponytail just being a bad hair day solution are in the past. This versatile style is as good at looking sporty for lazy weekends as it is for a chic evening get together. You can dress it up or dress it down, but first you have to know the basics of the ponytail.

Pull a rubber band around the wrist of your lead or brush hand. Brush the hair into your free hand, letting the tail hang parallel to your spine. Collect all the hair you want to include between the L made by your thumb and palm.

Set the brush down and tighten the grip on your gathered hair. Transfer the ponytail into your lead hand. Your palm should face the back of your head, with your fingers and thumb facing down and your elbow facing up. Let your hair form a cord in the tunnel of your grip.

Hook the rubber band with your free index finger and stretch it down. Pull your ponytail through the band, keeping a soft grip.

Keep the rubber band tense as you insert your other fingers and thumb into the band and twist it around the base of your ponytail. Press your pinky against the point where the rubber band crosses and make a wide circle.

Grab your ponytail and pull it through the rubber band. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until the rubber band fits snuggly.

Take a small section of the tail and wrap it twice, or once for short hair, once for around the rubber band. Secure it by inserting it into a strap of the band. Use an extra dab of gel or anti-frizz serum on the twisting section for greater control.

Now that you have the ponytail basics, use your imagination as far as what hair accessories you can use to suit your own personal style. Try it high on he head, on the side or low at the nape of your neck. The possibilities are as endless as your own personal style.

The Versatile and Trendy Bob

The Bob is one of those hairstyles that has remained on trend and in style. There are so many variations on this cut that one of them is bound to be perfect for you, and this is part of the allure of the Bob. Many celebrities rock this style, too. Victoria Beckham's cut is perhaps the most famous Bob today.

The most conservative of the Bob, the sleek one-length cut, is always in style. This sophisticated cut can be trimmed to a length that is attractive to almost any face shape. It is worn without bangs so that the front adds a lot of drama to the style. Style this cut by applying a light gel or mousse that contains a volumizer to damp hair and then blowing it dry with a large round brush. If your hair needs more encouragement to bend, use a large diameter curling iron (about one and one-half inches) to curve the ends under.

A flirty variation is the flippy Bob, layered in the bottom two inches and worn with texturized bangs. The secret to this cut is to take out enough of the bulk at the bottom to allow it to flip out but leave enough so that it doesn’t lose its signature line. This style is also very attractive when allowed to slightly curve under close to the neck. Style this cut as you would the one-length bob except using your large curling iron to turn the ends out slightly.

More layering will release your natural curl to form the curly Bob. To style this look, generously apply a curl encouraging gel or mousse. Dry it using a diffuser or just naturally while you scrunch it. Be careful to keep the curls big and chunky. Too much combing or manipulation will separate the curls and cause a frizzy appearance. You can use a curling iron to direct some of the curls toward your face.

No matter which Bob hair cut you choose, it should be shiny and natural looking. Keep your style simple and easy to manage, which is the Bob trademark!

False Eyelashes - Quick Application Tips

The simplest way to make your eyes look bigger and really stand out is to have fabulous lashes. If your own lashes are a bit skimpy, or if you just want to turn up the wow factor a bit, why not try false eyelashes!

Here are a couple tips for applying false eyelashes:

Before applying lash adhesive, make sure the length of the lash band will fit your eyes so that your false eyelashes will be comfortable. You don't want your lashes to start too close to the tear duct, or go beyond your natural lash line. You may have to snip a small section off if you eyes are smaller.

Apply eyeshadow and mascara. This way your lashes will be the same color as the false pair and blend in better.

Apply a thin line of DUO or other adhesive that is meant specifically for eyelashes to the lash band. DUO comes in white, which dries clear, and also dark tone, which dries black. I highly recommend the clear for beginners!

Allow the adhesive to dry for about 30 seconds. This allows it to become slightly tacky and easier to apply.

Get close to a mirror and apply the false eyelashes onto the eyelid as close to the lash line as possible. Keep eyes relaxed and adhesive will be set in no time!

Finish off with liquid or gel liner.

Covering Imperfections with Concealer

If you have ruddiness in your skin, an occasional blemish or dark circles under your eyes, you are not alone! Concealer is a quick and inexpensive product that can cover a myriad of sins. Here are some tips about how to use concealer for a flawless look.

Concealer is applied before your foundation and after you have washed, toned and moisturized your face. Make sure your moisturizer is completely absorbed before you apply your concealer; otherwise, it will not adhere properly to your skin.

You can find concealers in many different forms, including tubes, pencils and pots. If you want an accurate application to a small area, like for covering a blemish, the pencil is a great choice. Concealer pencils are a good choice if you have oily skin, too. The liquid concealer that comes in a tube with a sponge-tipped applicator is great for drier skin, and is very useful for covering up sun spots. The little tubes of concealer that look like lipstick are very easy to use, and they can be applied without a brush and blended in with your fingers. There are compacts that contain three to four different shades of concealer for mixing and matching to any skin tone. These are great for dry skin, and they are best applied with a sponge or makeup brush.

No matter which type of concealer you use, it is important to match both your skin type and skin color to your concealer. You want the formula to match your skin tone, but at the same time you want it to provide enough coverage to be effective at hiding your blemish. Your local drugstore and department stores are stocked with concealers in various colors, containers and formulas for all skin types. If you have not been using a concealer in your makeup routine, buy it and try it. You'll be amazed at the difference it can make!

Using Glitter for Some Sparkle and Shine

For added sparkle, shimmer and shine try some face or body glitter. This will make you the shining star at your next party or event.

There are formulations made for the face and body, and it is best to use them as specified. Do not use body formulations on your face, and it is especially important to use only the face glitter around the eye area.

When you are selecting your glitter color, take a look at the overall palette of your makeup, and then choose a complimentary shade of shine. Gold glitter will look awesome on a warmer complexion color, while silver will shine best on a cool complexion. Other colors of glitter should be in sync with your makeup and clothing color.

Your glitter should be applied to the face after your makeup is done. Put a small amount of product on your finger and dab gently near the corner of the eyes, over the lash tips or under the brow arch. If you prefer to highlight your cheekbones, a small dab of glitter can do the job.

Body glitter can be in the form of a lotion, powder or gel. Before applying any glitter to your body, make sure you are fully dressed. Take note of your exposed skin. Think about your chest, feet, arms, back and legs. Decide where you want your shimmer. For the lotion application, rub a small amount between your two hands and apply to the desired area. Apply your powder glitter with a brush, and be careful not to get it on your clothes. Gel formulations can be dabbed on or applied the same way as the glittery lotion.

If you need help with application to hard to reach areas, like your back, make sure you have someone there to help you. HINT: Wash your hands when you are finished.

As we often mention here on the blog, don't over do it. Unless you are going for a very theatrical look, strategically placed glitter in the right places will make you shine brightest!

Hair Coloring at Home - How long will it last?

If you've ever gone to the hair color section of your drugstore you have seen hundreds of colors and formulas. It can be very confusing! Here are some explanations about the staying power of the hair dyes.

Temporary hair color is available in various forms including rinses, shampoos, gels, sprays, and foams. Temporary hair color is typically brighter and more vibrant than semi-permanent and permanent hair color. It is most often used to color hair for special occasions such as costume parties and Halloween.

The pigment molecules in temporary hair color are large and cannot penetrate the cuticle layer. The color particles remain absorbed (closely adherent) to the hair shaft and are easily removed with a single shampooing.

Temporary hair color can persist on hair that is excessively dry or damaged in a way that allows for migration of the pigment to the interior of the hair shaft. It lasts for about a few hours to 1 day.

Semi-permanent hair dye has smaller molecules than temporary dyes, and is therefore able to partially penetrate the hair shaft. For this reason, the color will survive repeated washing, typically 4–5 shampoos or a few weeks. Semi-permanents contain no, or very low levels of developer, peroxide or ammonia, and are therefore safer for damaged or fragile hair. However, semi-permanents may still contain the toxic compound P-Phenylenediamine or other such ingredients. ingredients.

The final color of each strand of hair will depend on its original color and porosity, so there will be subtle variations in shade across the whole head. This gives a more natural result than the solid, allover color of a permanent dye. However, it also means that gray or white hairs will not dye to the same shade as the rest of the hair. If there are only a few gray/white hairs, the effect will usually be enough for them to blend in, but as the gray spreads, there will come a point where it will not be disguised as well. In this case, the move to permanent color can sometimes be delayed by using the semi-permanent as a base and adding highlights.

Semi-permanent color cannot lighten the hair.

Demi permanent hair color is permanent hair color that contains an alkaline agent other than ammonia (e.g., ethanolamine, sodium carbonate) and, while always employed with a developer, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in that developer may be lower than used with a permanent hair color. Since the alkaline agents employed in dem-perms are less effective in removing the natural pigment of hair than ammonia these products provide no lightening of hair's color during dying. As the result, they cannot color hair to a lighter shade than it was before dyeing and are less damaging to hair than their permanent counterpart.

Demi-permanents are much more effective at covering gray hair than semi-permanents, but less so than permanents.

Demi-permanents have several advantages as compared with permanent color. Because there is essentially no lifting (i.e., removal) of natural hair color, the final color is less uniform/homogeneous than a permanent and therefore more natural looking; they are gentler on hair and therefore safer, especially for damaged hair; and they wash out over time (typically 20 to 28 shampoos), so root regrowth is less noticeable and if a change of color is desired, it is easier to achieve. Demi-permanent hair colors are, in essence, permanent color and the darker shades in particular may persist longer than indicated on the packet.

All "permanent" hair color products and lighteners contain a developer, or oxidizing agent, and an alkalizing agent (most often ammonia).

When the tint containing the alkalizing ingredient is combined with the developer cause a chemical reaction that swells the hair permitting the tint to enter the cortex, where the melanin is located. The melanin is lightened and subsumed by the new color. The ammonia swells the cuticle of the hair to allow the color pigments to penetrate deep into the hair shaft.

Permanent color is truly permanent and will not wash out, although it may fade. New hair growth in the hair's natural color will contrast with the colored section of the hair.

Permanent hair dyes can be removed by bleaching, or stripping with a color remover. In the case of striping hair color, this process will only be effective if the original hair color is lighter than the dyed result. Theoretically a color remover will return hair to its natural color if the hair has been color treated but this process is damaging to the hair.

So when coloring at a salon is not an option, see what is in your local drugstore. Decide how long you want the color to stay, then select your own perfect shade, follow the directions (please do an allergy test first) and enjoy your brand new look!

Sparse Brows? -- Try eyebrow tattoos

Like tattooed lipstick and eyeliner, an eyebrow tattoo is a type of makeup that is permanent. If you have sparse brows and are tired of continuously applying eye pencil and other products to fill in your brows, you may want to do some research on a more permanent solution.

An eyebrow tattoo can be applied either manually with a hand-held needle or with a tattoo gun. While a tattoo gun is faster, it applies the pigment in more solid blocks of color to the eyebrow area. This can create a more artificial look, and you should keep this in mind if you are considering the gun. A hand-held needle gives the person applying the eyebrow tattoo the ability to create very fine lines of pigment that more closely resemble individual hairs. Of course, this will create a more natural look.

Eyebrow tattoo application with a manual needle is also generally considered to be less painful than tattoo gun application and causes less bleeding, bruising and swelling

Eyebrow tattoos can be an especially practical option for people who suffer from hair loss caused by alopecia, or as a side-effect of chemotherapy treatments. Eyebrow tattoos may also appeal to individuals who have sparse eyebrows and are allergic to makeup, have difficulty seeing, or otherwise have difficulty applying makeup.

This procedure can be done by a cosmetologist, plastic surgeon, aesthetician or tattoo artist. You should look for someone who is certified by the American Academy of Micropigmentation.

You should not have this procedure if you take immunosuppressive drugs, anticoagulants or have Herpes Simplex.

If you are having eyebrow issues, this is one option that can definitely work for you. Make sure you don't pick a trendy brow look, like too bushy or too thin, because if the look goes out of style you will have it tattooed on your face. The price can range from $200 to $2000, depending on where you go and what type of package you purchase.

Eyebrows and Your Face Shape

We already know that our eyebrows frame our eyes, and we have talked about the importance of them being well groomed at all times. Another great thing about eyebrows is that the arch and shape of the eyebrow can actually be used to emphasize and de-emphasize aspects of your face shape. Take a good look at yourself in the mirror to determine what the shape of your face is, and then read these tips on how to groom and shape your brows to work with your face shape.

If your face is oblong and thin shaped, you should have horizontal eyebrows to visually shorten your face. The arch should be a small one. The beginning and end of the eyebrow should be on the same level.

Eyebrows with a moderate arch will work well with an oval face. The beginning and end of the eyebrow should be on the same level.

For a round face shape, you can elongate your face with eyebrows that have a significant arch. Sometimes a round face is also wide, and this arch will make your face look more three dimensional than flat. The end of the eyebrow should be a little bit higher than the beginning of the brow.

Although a square face would seem to be opposite of a round face, as far as the shape of it, the eyebrow shape and arch should actually be similar.

If your face is a triangular shape, your brow can actually de-emphasize your strong jaw line. Also, with this face shape, you do not want an overly thin eyebrow. Your jaw line will then become the dominant feature of your face. Eyebrows should be slightly thicker to de-emphasize the jaw lines. The beginning and end of the eyebrow should be on the same level.

The next time you go to the salon for your eyebrow grooming, talk with the technician about your face shape and if your brows are properly shaped and arched to offset your facial structure and shape.

The Smoky Eye Look - How to get it

The sultry and smoky eye look has been around forever. Done well, this look really draws attention to your eyes. Likewise, if it is not done well, this look really draws attention to your eyes. Here are some steps for achieving this look:

Prepare the eye area by applying concealer under your eye. Use a lid primer or concealer to cover the entire eye area from the upper lash line to under your brows. This will create a nice base for your eye shadow.

Line the top and bottom rims of your eyes with an eye pencil, and be sure the line goes right into the lashes. For small eyes, start the line in the center of the eye and bring it to the outside. If you have larger eyes, line the entire eye from corner to corner. If you prefer liquid liners, then make a series of dots along the lash lines and connect them with a straight line.

Use a small eye shadow brush or Q-Tip to soften the liner lines. Apply a dark colored shadow with a sponge tip applicator or Q-Tip right over the lined area and smudge. Some people like to do this with their finger, and this works fine, too. The shadow will set the liner and soften the harshness of the line.

The eye shadow sets that come in three shades are very convenient to use for this look. Apply the neutral color over your entire lid. Use the darker color for contouring by applying it in the crease of your eye. Apply the lightest color under your brow as a highlighter. This can be a light color with some shimmer.

A great way to learn this technique is by scheduling a session with a makeup artist. They can teach you this technique as well as other makeup tricks so you can look fabulous every day

Voila! You now have smoky eyes!

The Base for a Great Face - Primer

Any makeup artist will tell you that one of the keys to getting a flawless look is by using a primer under your makeup. A primer is a base product that you apply before your foundation. A primer will fill in any creases, lines or large pores on your face. This creates a perfectly smooth canvas on which to apply makeup, and the look is pure perfection! Here are some basics:

Start with a clean face.

Apply a light moisturizer. Be sure the moisturizer is completely absorbed before applying your primer product.

Put a small amount of primer on your finger, and dot it on your forehead, nose, chin and cheeks.

Use a small triangle sponge (clean, of course) to sweep and apply the primer evenly all over your face. HINT: Do not use primer on your eyelids! There are specific eyelid bases and primers that are specifically formulated for this area.

Allow the primer to set and absorb for a few moments before you begin foundation application.

In the past, these fabulous primer products were available mostly to professional makeup artists and were not readily available to the public. Now, the secret is out! You can find primers at most of your major makeup counters. If you want to take your makeup technique up a notch, try a primer.

You're Blushing! - Tips for applying blush

A quick brush full of blush can wake up your entire face! You can have that pretty flushed and healthy look in an instant. Here are some basics for applying blush:

Look for a color of blush that resembles the natural glow of your cheeks after you have exerted yourself through exercise. Consider having a lighter color for day, and a darker tone for a more dramatic evening look. It is a good idea to keep the blush in the same color palette as your lip color.

Which formula is good for your skin type? A cream blush works very well for dry skin, as it can help to keep skin hydrated, and a powder blush is better suited to oily skin.

HINT: Apply your foundation, powder and eye makeup before your blush!

Use a full, round brush for blush appplication. A professional makeup brush will give you a more polished look than the small brushes that come with the product. HINT: This should not be the same brush you use to apply your loose powder.

Place a small amount of blush on the brush and gently tap off any excess. Or, place a small amount of crème blush on your ring finger, if you are using a crème formula. Look in the mirror and smile.

Place powder blush on the apple of your cheek and gently brush up your cheekbone toward your hairline. Dot cream blush beginning at the apple, and gently blend up the cheekbone toward the hairline.

Concentrate on putting the blush at the outside of your face near your hairline if you have a fuller face. For high cheekbones, concentrate blush in the center of your face to accentuate your bone structure.

Blend a little blush down your cheek for a little more natural, less dramatic look. You can see our previous article on makeup contouring if you want to try two different shades of blush to create more definition. The next time you are at the makeup counter, take a look and see what is out there to create your own perfect flushed and blushed look!

Makeup Application Tips - Foundation

Foundation is well named; it is the base for your makeup. Think of it as the clean slate on which all of your other makeup is applied. The correct color and great application are essential for your foundation. Here are some quick and easy tips so your foundation will look great!

Prepare your skin with a thin layer of moisturizer. Use moisturizer with sunscreen added if you plan to spend time outdoors.

Choose the correct color foundation makeup for your skin tone. Test the color on your jaw line rather than your finger or wrist.

Place a small amount of liquid foundation on your finger. Applying foundation with fingers will provide maximum coverage. Use your middle or ring finger, as your index finger doesn't provide the same touch as your dominant fingers. Some people also apply their foundation with a damp sponge for a lighter application.

Work across your face in small areas. You must blend the foundation in each area before it dries. Again, you can use a makeup sponge to spread the foundation, but the sponge can absorb a large amount of the foundation, and this can result in wasting a lot of the product.

Use a makeup sponge to blend the liquid foundation makeup around your jaw line and hairline. You can use a synthetic sponge or a natural sponge, but you must start with a clean sponge every time.

Set the liquid foundation for all day wear. If you have oily skin, set the foundation with loose or pressed powder. If you have dry skin, set it with blotting tissues.

There are so many formulas and colors available in liquid foundations. You can check both drugstore and department store brands to find one that is just perfect for your face.

Getting a Healthy and Sun Kissed Look with Bronzer

A great way to look fresh and healthy is by using bronzer. Here are some tips for choosing and applying bronzers.

You must first start by choosing the best shade for your skin color. You want to create a sun-kissed and healthy look. If you are fair skinned, look for a bronzer with peach tones. A copper shade will look very natural for a medium complexion, and a chocolate shade will compliment a dark complexion.

Bronzers are available in liquid, powder, lotion and gel formulations. If you have oily skin, you should use a powder bronzer. Dry skin will do better with the liquids, lotions and gels. Combination skin will be able to use the liquid bronzers as well as the other formulas.

Now, the application can begin. You want to use a medium size powder brush.

Swirl the powder brush across the surface of the bronzer. For loose powder, dip your brush into the container.

Tap off excess powder.

Dot the powder onto your forehead, nose, chin and the apples of your cheeks.

Using the brush, blend the bronzer all over your face.

Dot an extra amount onto the key areas of the nose, chin and forehead again. Gently blend the powder into these areas, which are naturally bronzed when out in the sun.

Swirl the larger powder brush into the bronzer, and quickly blend starting from your jaw line down toward your neck. This will ensure that you don't have different color on the skin between your face and neck.

Now, you can head out with a healthy and sub-kissed glow on your face, and there are no harmful effects from the sun. People will wonder where you've been. Shhhhh.....we won't tell.

The Pretty and Classic Chignon

A great hair look that works for every day as well as special events is the chignon. What is a chignon? Well, it's a fancy word for a bun, and it is pronounced as "sheen-yon." This can be a very elegant look for weddings and other events, and this style can also look great with a suit at work and jeans and sweatshirts on the weekend. It is a very classic look. Here's how you can achieve this look.

Begin with clean dry hair that has been brushed or combed to remove tangles. If you have wavy or curly hair you may want to dry it straight for this hairstyle. Apply mousse to your hair and a small amount of anti-frizz product before you begin styling.

Gather you hair into a low ponytail. Shorter side layers can be pinned back with jeweled hair pins or a head band. Get a firm grip around the base of the ponytail and use your other hand to twist the tail into a tight spiral.

Hold the base of the ponytail with one hand. Next, lift the tail straight up with the other. Begin to coil it clockwise around the base. When you've made a half circle, release the hand holding the base and use it to hold the forming bun as you continue to wrap the tail of the chignon.

Complete one rotation, or it may be a little more if you have longer hair, and then tuck the end of the tail under the chignon. If your hair is long enough you might be able to push the tail through the bun and make a knot.

Secure the chignon using a bobby pins or other accessory. Push one pin through at any outside edge, collecting a small amount of the bun as you make the insertion. Secure the opposite side with a second pin. If you're using a hair stick accessory, push the tip up through the right corner of your chignon so that a thin flat layer rests on top of the stick. Rotate the stick 180 degrees and push it gently through the base of the bun. As the stick begins to emerge, hook a small amount of hair on the underside of the left corner and then center the stick.

You can find many decorative bobby pins with beads, jewels and flowers on them to decorate the chignon. Depending on where you are going and what you are wearing, the bun actually becomes an accessory in itself. The next time you don't know what do with your hair, try this classic and pretty look.

Holiday Makeup Tips

Here are some quick holiday party makeup tips to help you look fabulous at all your festivities this season.

Be careful not to match your makeup to your outfit. For example, if you have a sparkly glittery dress, then don't wear sparkly glittery makeup. Instead, for example, try a smoky eye with a sparkly outfit. If you are wearing bold prints or color, keep your makeup neutral.

A great way to get festive with your makeup is by creating shimmery eyes. You can get shimmery eyes in several ways. Try a shimmery cream, or buy a powder shimmer and mix the shadow with water. The water will help create a dense metallic pigment that's not too soft. Some shadows are barely there, but you want your shadow to have punch.

Apply shimmery shadow above the iris in your eye and on the inner corner of the eye. This will open up the eye, lighten up what is usually a dark area of the lid, and helps eyes look fabulous in photos.

If you do go with this look, please do not go overboard. A helpful hint is to apply shimmer to no more than two places. For example, shimmer your eyelids and your cheekbones, but don't shimmer your lips or use an all over shimmery face powder.

Another way to make your makeup festive is with highlighter. Highlighting pens are a staple in many makeup artist's makeup bag. Highlighters act as a brightener. Skin becomes luminous and dewy.

Here's how to apply: Put your chin to your chest and look into a mirror. Swipe a line of highlighter on the shadows, usually under the eye, along the nose, under the chin. I also apply a line above each brow to pull my face up. Blend the lines in by dabbing with your middle finger.

Along the lines of not going overboard, choose either to play up your eyes or your mouth, but don't do both! If you emphasize both, you'll risk looking like a clown or a…..never mind. If you do a bright red lip, keep the face light and use only mascara and a light shadow on lids. Don't go overboard with bronzer, smoky eyes and blushes either. If you opt for a dark, smoky eye, lighten up lips with a light, sheer lipstick or gloss.

A red lip is a holiday makeup staple. You can check our recent blog post on prepping your lips and applying color. To get the fabulous red lip look, line lips first in a similar shade of lip liner then fill in with the lipstick. Set with powder and apply another layer on top. This will help keep lipstick in place as the night goes on. Remember to keep the rest of your face minimal with mascara and powder.

Last but not least, make sure your eyebrows are well groomed and in perfect shape. A couple of days before your holiday party, get your brows waxed, threaded or tweezed, whichever method works best for you. You can keep them in place by spraying a bit of hairspray on your finger and running them over the brow or opt for a brow gel, which will keep brow hairs in place for hours.

Now that you have these quick tips for holiday makeup you will surely be the bell of whatever ball you are attending this holiday season.

Tips on Applying and Removing Mascara

Long, thick and full lashes make your eyes pop. You can get this look with false eyelashes or extensions, but most of us reach for a tube of mascara. Here are some hints for applying and removing your mascara:

Applying Mascara:

For best results, first look down and brush the top lashes from the roots downwards. When finished, look up and brush the top lashes upwards. Still looking up, brush color on the lower lashes. Give this a moment to dry and apply a second coat. Finally, brush with a clean dry brush, to separate the lashes.

Mascara Tips:

1. The simplest way to get big lashes is to pick a good mascara. This is much better than wearing false eyelashes which can get messy and look very bad if not attached professionally.

2. Use a full bristled brush and apply the mascara, and do not allow any clumping, smearing or flaking to occur.

3. Select a hypoallergenic product. These products are safe for the eye area and should not cause irritation to your eyes.

4. Select basic brown or black for color. There are other colors available, like green and violet, and these colors can enhance your eye color or create a dramatic effect.

Removing Mascara:

While removing the mascara try to avoid letting the mascara get on the delicate area below the bottom lashes. Be sure to close your eyes. A cotton ball wet with an eye makeup remover is a great way to remove the mascara. Sweep the cotton ball over your eyes until it comes up clean. Then, splash the eye area with warm water to remove any excess mascara and cleanser. Pat dry, and your done!

A Few Simple Steps for Great Lip Color Application

To some of us it is part of our daily routine to grab a tube of lipstick out of our bag and glide it on and go. We don’t really give much thought to it. There are some basic steps and techniques to applying lipstick to make it look polished and stay on longer.

Prepping the Lips:

Healthy and soft lips are the base for gorgeous lips. Chapped lips are the enemy of the glamorous lip look!Make sure you hydrate your body properly. Drink a lot of water and quit smoking and drinking alcohol to excess. If you get dehydrated, your lips will also get dry and cracked. Scrub them once in a while with your dry toothbrush to remove the dead skin cells. If you have a habit of licking your lips, try to break it!Use lip balm instead; that will nourish and protect your lips. Use lip balm as often as you feel like, and be sure to change to one with and SPF factor during the summer months. Once you have your lips soft, healthy and nourished, you are ready to apply your lipstick.

Priming and Lining the Lips:

Apply a foundation or primer to make your lips nude. Then, use a lipstick pencil to line and fill in the lip area.Make this a nude pencil or a color that closely matches your lipstick. If you have a pink lipstick, for instance, you can use a darker pink lip liner to change the color of your lipstick by a shade or two. Generally, the lip liner and lip color should be similar a similar shade.

Applying Lip Color:

Now, you are ready to apply your actual lip color. There are literally hundred of shades out there, so finding one to match your skin tone or mood will not be a problem! You will also find several formulas out there ranging from crème to long last to matte. See which formula is best for your use and lifestyle.

Red is a classic and feminine shade that is always in style, and there are so many options for reds that surely one of them will be just right for your skin tone and desired look. If you are selecting a color for daytime wear be sure to check the shade in natural sunlight! HINT: Remember that if you choose a strong lip color, you'll want to go easy on the eye makeup. You do not want two strong elements on your face at once. Depending on where you will be wearing the makeup, you risk looking over done. HINT: A lipstick brush is a great way to control your lipstick application.

Many people like to take a tissue in between their top and bottom lip and gently press down to remove any excess lip product. We call this blotting. Also, if you want to oomph up your look a bit, you can add touch of lip gloss to the center of your lips, and this will make a fuller and pouty look instantly.

The Shootie - What the heck is it?

Have you heard of a "shootie"? What exactly is a "shootie"? This is a catchy name for a shoe that is a cross between a boot and a shoe, and they are very much in style. They are made in a variety of materials, have a great range of heel heights and can be worn by women of all ages. There are so many styles to choose from, and no matter what your outfit, you will find the perfect pair to match it!

During the cold months, you may want to try a sheepskin shootie. They will keep your feet warm, and the look is very trendy right now. This is a really cute look with jeans and a chunky sweater. You have seen or heard of the Uggs brand, and they make some really cool shooties.

With the holiday season upon us, try a festive red pair of shooties. These definitely will make a statement, as red always does. Of course, you can't go wrong with the basic black or brown leather pair either. Suede shooties are also fabulous, and they are out there in brown and black as well as many other color palettes. They look great in purple!

If you are more on the cutting edge, there are shooties available in metallic, peep-toes, snakeskin and numerous other materials and styles, too. Picture a nice pair of gold shooties with black leggings and a tunic top; this is a great look for a weekend night out. Shooties can be found in looks that are quite plain, or you can find them embellished with zippers, beads, laces and embroidery.

Shooties are readily available both in stores and online. They are worth taking a look at if you want the boot look, but you don't want the whole boot!

This fabulous boot is the Bela Shootie from Nine West.