Emergency Substitutions for Make-up

I try to stay stocked up on my make-up but sometimes you just forget to buy something and the next thing you know you're putting on the finishing touches just to discover you have no eye liner! Worry not, my friends, I have some solutions.

Eye Liner - Use mascara with a liner brush or very thin angle brush.

Mascara - Put a few drops of saline solution in the tube to rehydrate any dried up bits on the sides and bottom.

Lip Stick/Gloss - Use eye shadow for the pigment and finish with chap stick, Vaseline, or clear gloss for shine. For a nude lip use a little bit of foundation ad finish with clear gloss.

Blush - Use eye shadow in a similar shade to your blush. If you don't have any pink hues, use lipstick.

Eye Brow Filler - In an absolute emergency that you don't have any eye shadow to substitute, use mascara. Be VERY LIGHT with the strokes or you will end up quite scary.

I hope these quick tips help next time you run out of something last minute. Of course, you can prevent this by always stocking up. ;-)

Adventures in Mistaken Identity

After a long day at work, I didn't feel like cooking, so I ran by Taco Bell to get my husband some food (like a good wife.) In anticipation of the "Weeds" marathon that will ensue this weekend, I enjoyed the soundtrack from the first season on my way.

When I arrived, they were so busy! I then remembered today is April 20th...of course, my husband HAD to have Taco Bell on 420. We haven't been there in so long and the day I go is one of their busiest days, but that's fine because I'll have time to enjoy my music.

After I ordered, the guy said something through that godawful speaker and I could not for the life of me understand him. I asked him to repeat it about three times, and when I finally understood what he said I started laughing because at this point he probably thought I was stupid. Then I couldn't stop laughing and realized they didn't think I was stupid now, they just thought I was stoned. I looked down at my shirt and it happened to be tye-dye; to make matters worse, when I was at the window to pick up the food, the song "Wacky Tobacky" was coming from my stereo. I just laughed and laughed when they came to the window, which drove the whole "man this lady's stoned" theory right home.

I was, in fact, completely sober, but found my predicament so funny that I, like a stoner, couldn't stop laughing. I didn't really care how I was perceived but the whole situation was entertaining to me, so I found it worthy of sharing. Be safe this weekend!

Stop Over-Plucking Your Eyebrows!

I have seen one too many a woman with scary thin eyebrows. It's not cute.

Insanity!

As a professional make up artist, I know how important eyebrows are to the complete look of the face. They make a huge difference, especially for something that was designed to keep sweat out of your eyes. I don't know what started this trend (probably Pam Anderson) but it's a terrible one. So many beautiful women sit there and pluck until there's nothing left! Why? Your eyebrows can be cleaned up and shaped while still looking natural. Here's how:

Go to a salon and have a professional do it! Yes, it's that easy, and it takes about 15 minutes max.

If you are low on cash or insist on using tweezers, then here is a guide to know how much to pluck and where.

Don't you love my artwork?

Your brow should start in the center, diagonal from your inner corner. The arch should be above your pupil when looking forward in the mirror. (Turn your head a little to the side you're working on, otherwise it'll be more towards your nose.) It should end diagonal from the outer corner.

The thickness is a personal preference, but MAKE THEM LOOK NATURAL. I'm in no way encouraging power brows, but you can clean them up without making them so thin. 

While we're on the subject of eyebrows, almost every woman needs to fill in her brows. There have been countless times that I was doing a client's makeup and after filling in her brows for the first time, she was a life long filler. Many women assume only blondes need to fill them, that is not true. It makes a big difference on your face, try it. Fill in one side and look at the distinction from the other. It makes them "pop."

I recommend using a powder with an eyebrow brush, or angle eye shadow brush if you don't have the first. Anastasia makes great eyebrow kits. I'll post a link below. It takes maybe one extra minute in your morning routine (if that) and you will love the results.

Your eyebrows should make you happy! Like so:

I wake up every morning so happy about my brows. I'm like, "Hey eyebrows, you're looking great today."

;-P

Sephora's Anastsia Collection

How TV Keeps You Sane, While Driving You Crazy

Some people watch TV all day, some people never watch it. Some hate it;many love it; and of course, your grandmother thinks it rots your brain. I think, in the right doses, TV is good for your mental health.

When I've had a stressful day, gone through hard times, or even when I've come close to an emotional breakdown, TV helps me escape. Watching a show you enjoy won't make your troubles go away, but it can help take your mind off of things.

Stress is such a toxic emotion, if you don't believe me ask your doctor. One way to relieve stress is to just relax and stop thinking about what's bothering you. That's what happens when you watch television, you stop thinking about your situation so you can concentrate on Nancy Botwin's adventures or find out who got eliminated this week from your favorite reality show. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress, so is talking to someone you trust. I'm not saying watch TV all day and avoid your problems, but at the end of the day, when all of the tasks at hand are complete, it's a great way to wind down (and focus on everyone else's drama rather than your own.) ;)

How does it drive you crazy, you ask? It's addicting! You get so wrapped up in the story lines and plot twists that you'll go nuts trying to figure out what's coming next. Of course, that's okay as long as you find a happy balance between your life and the telly.