How to | Stop Sweaty Feet or Keep You Feet From Sliding Around in Shoes

If you live in a warm climate, you've probably experienced this phenomenon:

You buy a lovely pair for wedges or open-toe heels. You wear them on a hot summer day. Your feet get hot and sweat. Then they slide around in your shoe making it hard to walk and possibly causing your feet to slip out of the shoe.

Any of this sound familiar?

If so, I've got a super simple solution for you and it's something you already have in your medicine cabinet.




You can easily combine this tip with my other solution for keeping your shoes from slipping off your feet.

Oh! And if you prefer, spray on antiperspirant also works to keep your feet from getting too sweaty.

You're welcome friends.

Any other purpose you use for antiperspirant other than to keep your underarms dry?

How to | Keep Your Feet From Sliding Out of Your Shoes

Anyone else out there suffer from Cinderalla syndrome when you wear heels?

That's what I call it when my feet slide out of my shoes. I've tried the inserts you stick to the heel of your shoes, but they never seem to work. The friction from my walking causes them to just fall right out of the shoe (and my feet along with them).

When you're wearing heels, this is a walking hazard.

I got tired of wasting money on those useless inserts and had pretty much resigned myself to nearly dying when wearing certain shoes (not wearing them is not an option). Until I stumbled on this trick from a celebrity stylist. It's right up there in among the strangest things I've done with hairspray, but it works!

Check out my video to find out what the hairspray trick is:

So what do you think? Are you willing to try it? What other things have you used hairspray to solve? 

How to Keep Blemishes Concealed All Day

I was perusing the Internet recently when I stumbled upon an article that changed my makeup life. It was from Pop Sugar and I should've book marked it because now that I want to tell you guys what I learned, I can't find it to save my life. Anyway, I don't even think I read the whole article because when I saw this tip I was so stunned that I was rendered incapable of reading any further. I mean, how had I never thought of this before?! It's freaking genius!

So, you know how difficult it can be to conceal a stubborn blemish (especially cystic acne)? Not only do you have to mask the redness and the bump like some sort of magician. But also you have to keep working that magic all day long. Concealer keeps sliding off the blemish and ruining your efforts (and possibly your life). And let's not even talk about the delicate balance required to touch up without creating a cakey disaster.

It's enough to drive you mad. Eventually, I look in the mirror, wave the white flag, and hang my head in shame. Clearly, I'm losing the battle of wills against said zit.

That is, until now. Pull up a chair, I'm about to lay some knowledge on you.

It turns out there's a product in your makeup bag (one you probably reach for every day) that can lay all your blemish concealing worries to rest. And that magical product is (dramatic pause) eyeshadow primer.

Yup. I'll give you a moment to let that sink in.

As it happens, the beauty product we've been so fond of because it makes our awesome eye looks last all day long can also do the same thing for your concealer.

It basically works the same way it does on your lids. It creates a barrier against oils and a tackier surface that your concealer can cling to -- keeping it where it belongs all day long. I've been testing this approach out for a week on this cystic pimple that took residence on my chin. Don't you just love surprise visits from unwelcome guests?

The results: A flawlessly concealed face that held up against long work days and errand running during the weekend.

A few more tips to make this work best:

• Moisturize skin well so that you don't end up with a dry patch where you conceal
• Apply a small amount of eye shadow primer over blemish, tap to blend then conceal and set as usual
• Try not to over powder (again with the dry spot)
• Use setting spray for extra long lasting results
• Exfoliate (no patchy dry skin!)
• If you have dry skin (or your attempts to kill the zit have created a patchy dry area), try a moisturizing eyeshadow primer (like Urban Decay's anti-aging version)

Check out my video to see the concealing in action! Then give your favorite eyeshadow primer a big ol' kiss because you're going to love it even more than you already do. 

What do you think? Pretty amazing, right?

How to save money on (and get the most out of) high-end mascara

I've yet to meet anyone (except makeup artists) who can go through an entire tube of mascara inside of its ridiculously short life span. In case you missed that memo, let me educate you. You're supposed to toss out your mascara three months after you open it. Why? Because your eyes are a sensitive area, and opening and closing your precious mascara tube will introduce bacteria. Oh, and by the way, bacteria thrives and multiplies in dark, damp places. Essentially, a tube of mascara is a great bacterial breeding ground. Awesome right? That's also why you're not supposed to share that mess. You'll spread disease faster than most outbreak-type movie plots. Just don't do it.

This little three-month mandate has kept me far far away from pretty much any high-end mascara purchase (unless it was a gift).After all, I regularly toss out half full tubes of my go-to  L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black without remorse because (1) I love my eye sight and don't want pink eye (or whatever) and (2) that stuff is cheap, fabulous, and readily accessible. So if I have to replace it often, I'm glad it's not setting me back.

But the thought of spending more than $20 on a mascara that I'll never finish is enough to make me sweat -- no matter how luscious it promises to make my lashes. I just can't purposely toss that much money down the drain on the reg. I suspect there are a lot of you out there who feel the same way.

Well, let me share a little secret with you that will leaving you wondering how you didn't think of it sooner. Ready? Purchase travel-sized high-end mascaras. That's it. Easy.

Yep, that was pretty much my reaction when I was told too. Seriously, how did something so simple escape me for so long?! Travel-sized mascara tubes have enough product to get you through the three month life span without wasting precious product. You'll either use it all up in that time or you'll be pretty darn close.

Now shimmy on over to the nearest makeup counter and pick up that mascara you've always wanted to try. If you need any suggestions, check out Benefit's They're Real - I love that stuff (and yes, I have the travel size).

How to Wash Concealer & Lipstick Off Your Makeup Brushes

There are plenty of makeup brush cleansing tutorials out there on the web. If you've landed here, I'm sure you've read them. But if you've followed all those instructions and still find you can't get all the makeup out of your brushes, you're not alone.

I've washed my makeup brushes using makeup brush specific shampoo, baby shampoo, Dawn dish washing soap and God only knows what else. Most of them came out clean. But I could never quite wash off concealer, lipstick, foundation, or any other creamy products (products that contain emollients). I'd wash and wash and there'd still be product left behind.

Does this sound familiar? Well get ready to breathe out a sigh of relief. Makeup artist extraordinaire James Vincent recently gave me the secret to getting all of your brushes squeaky clean. Here's what you do:

• Get your brush wet (but only the bristles!)
• Wash with face wash
• Rinse
• Wash again with your regular brush cleanser (in my case, baby shampoo)
• Rinse
• Set down to dry
• Look at your brushes and remember what they looked like before you ever used them

Here's why it works: Ingredients in face wash do a better job of breaking down emollients. The first wash breaks them down and the second wash rinses them away.

Note: I find I need to scrub a little more to get lipstick out, particularly if I'm working with bright colors. 

Problem solved. Now got get all that gunk off your brushes!

The Makeup Show Recap: Beauty Tips for a Flawless Face from OCC's David Klasfeld

If you're a regular on this blog, then you know I recently attended The Makeup Show Orlando. Needless to say, I was excited. Not only would I be surrounded by beauty products for two whole days, but I'd also get to listen to industry experts share their insights on growing your career, building your kit, and applying makeup for different types of jobs.

Among those speakers was David Klasfeld, founder of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. I sat in on his live demonstration of editorial makeup application. During that discussion there was one vital takeaway: Editorial makeup isn't always avant garde and over-the-top.  In fact, most of the time, it's not. 

He pointed out that when you look through magazines, most of the photos and ads you see include models wearing natural-looking makeup that makes their skin look flawless.

Go ahead, grab your latest fashion magazine and flip through the pages. I'll wait...

David Klasfeld demonstrates his techniques for creating a flawless canvas for editorial makeup 

His point, as I understood it: Many of the editorial jobs most makeup artists will work on will require an ability to apply makeup that has the appearance of natural, enviable skin. Your models won't always have it (Doesn't that help make them seem a little more human?). You need to know how to create a flawless complexion without ending up with cake face. (He said this more eloquently. I interject humor.)

Since he was talking flawless skin, I thought it was a good opportunity to jot down some notes. After all, you don't need to be gracing the pages of Glamour to covet a beautiful complexion. So here's what I learned:

Klasfeld answers audience questions during his demonstration.

• Want the dewey skin you see in magazines? Reach for a good tinted moisturizer. Look for a tinted moisturizer that offers coverage and is buildable. In other words, look for a medium coverage that won't look or feel heavy when you build it up. David recommends OCC's Tint ($29.50), which offers medium coverage and an airbrush finish. It also uses aloe to moisturize without leaving residue. A nice drugstore option is Garnier's BB creams ($11.99), which offers  good color pay off that's easy to build. (Note: I'm not comparing Garnier BB cream to OCC Tint just stating that Garnier has nice pigmentation)
• Use more than one shade of foundation. Most people's faces aren't one single flat color tone. By using two different color foundations/tinted moisturizers you can create a more real-life effect. Typically, you'll use the lighter color in the center of your face, and the darker color (opt for a shade darker) along the perimeter to create natural shadows.
• Your makeup application tools are everything. But remember expensive doesn't always equal good. When choosing a foundation and concealer brush , look for brushes that are firm enough to provide control, but have enough give that they can adjust to the contours of your face. For example, a firm tipped brush will allow you to get right up to the edge of the lash line, but needs enough give so you can gently pull and blend the color down.
• Try to reduce the number of products used on your face. Too much product will make you look overly made up. When trying to look natural, multi-tasking products are your friend. Tinted moisturizers are an obvious gem. You can also use your concealer as eye shadow primer. If you're using cream shadow, make sure to set it so it won't crease.
• Cream blush gives you a healthy natural glow and will keep you from having too much powder build up on your face. Choose a long-wearing option like OCC's creme colour concentrate ($20), which  uses aloe to keep your skin moisturized without any oily residue. Bonus: It's a multi-use product for face, lips, and eyes. I'm also a fan of water-based creme blushes, which have a similar moisturized-but-not-oily effect.
• Only apply blush to the top part of the apples of your cheeks and lightly blend down. Why? When you smile you push your cheeks up. If you apply blush all over the apple of your cheek as you smile, that color will travel down when you stop smiling, creating a sagging effect that ages you.

Having a fan-girl moment meeting David Klasfeld

Those are his tips for editorial beauty you can easily use in your every day routine. Are you already using some of these tips? Which ones will you be adding to your beauty regimen? 

Cheap Trick: Alternative Uses for Hair Conditioner

I love a product I can use for multiple purposes. A while back I wrote about how I use Carmex to perform double duty -- both to moisturize my lips and my cuticles. It might sound strange, but it works. That got me thinking, what other everyday products do we have that aren't limited to their intended use? And what are the chances some of us never even thought about these alternative uses?

Chances are, many of us haven't thought about how some of our products could work double (or more) duty. And I bet knowing some of these things might just change our lives (or more likely help us out in a pinch).

Case in point: Conditioner.

Did you know how many different uses it has? Plenty. Today, I'll be sharing some of its other practical uses that are related to your beauty regimen.

Use it as shaving cream for soft, smooth, touchable legs

I learned this little trick from an exotic dancer (don't judge!). To be accurate, I learned it from a coworker who was dating an exotic dancer. I was bemoaning a recent conditioner purchase that had been a complete flop on my hair. And this guy pipes in and told me, "You know, my girlfriend uses conditioner as shaving cream and it works really well."

After taking a second to process that, I thought, "That's genius!" After all, exotic dancers need to have soft, smooth skin, right? I'm assuming that's a job requirement along with impressive pole skills (don't judge, that's challenging). She must know what she's talking about.

As it turns out, it works quite well. First, it's a great lubricant on your legs and barrier between your skin and your razor. And while it's doing that, it's moisturizing your skin! Makes sense, right? After all, conditioner is meant to moisturize your hair. Why wouldn't it work on your skin? Turns out, it does.

After trying it, I was quite impressed. My legs were soft, smooth, and irresistibly touchable. Plus, I didn't end up tossing my money in the trash because I was able to use up that bottle of conditioner on my legs.  Major bonus. The only caveat: be careful in the shower, conditioner can make the shower/tub floor a little slippery.

The next time you go on a trip and forget to pack shaving cream, reach for your conditioner instead. Or you can just replace your shaving cream altogether if you'd like.

When in a pinch, use it to remove your makeup

I'd never thought to use conditioner as a makeup remover before. Whenever I run out of makeup removing wipes or eye make up remover, I tend to reach for my facial moisturizer (How's that for a second use for your moisturizer too?) since it loosens up makeup and glides over your skin without tugging. It's especially good when removing pesky eye makeup.

Turns out, the same can be done with conditioner. Just moisten a cotton swab with it and remove away. It will dissolve makeup and soften your skin without being greasy. Make sure not to get it in your eyes, especially if your conditioner has a lot of fragrance.

Condition scratchy makeup brushes

By now most of us know that you can use baby shampoo (because it's gentle) and even some dish soap to clean all the makeup out of your makeup brushes. Here's hoping you're doing it because a lot of bacteria can build up in your brushes and you're rubbing them all over your face (yuck!). But enough of the lecture. 

If you find that your brushes are feeling a bit rough and scratchy after you wash them, try conditioning. It's simple. After you cleanse your brushes, make sure you rinse them thoroughly. Then work a little conditioner (not a lot) into the bristles, let it sit for 10-20 minutes then rinse it out. Voila! Soft brushes! 

Use it as a makeshift cuticle cream (and even lotion)

The same concept that worked for Carmex holds true for your conditioner. If your cuticles are in need of a little love, try rubbing some conditioner on them while you're in the shower. 

Similarly, you can use your conditioner to moisturize your skin if you're in a pinch. 

Use conditioner to wash your hair

We've all seen the Wen cleansing conditioner commercials and probably marveled at how nice, shiny, healthy, and manageable the model's hair looked. Well, I'm here to tell you that you don't necessarily have to splurge on a fancy cleansing conditioner to achieve similar results. If you want to give your hair a break from harsh suds (or if you're running late and need to wash your hair in a hurry), just "wash" your hair with your conditioner. 

Dampen your hair, generously apply conditioner to your tresses, let it sit for 3-5 minutes while you shower, then rinse out. If you have thin or limp locks, make sure not to use too much conditioner and rinse thoroughly to try to keep it from weighing down your hair. 

Well, there you have it, five new ways you can use your conditioner to enhance your beauty routine. Some of my favorite non-beauty related uses include: using conditioner to hand wash delicates like lingerie (skip the pricey specialty detergents), rubbing conditioner on zippers that tend to stick, and applying conditioner around a band-aid to make removal less painful. 

Have you tried any of these alternative uses for your conditioner? Are there any uses you love that I missed? 

Makeup Tips from Vincent Longo & Water Canvas Foundation & Blush Review

I had the pleasure of meeting makeup artist to the starts, Vincent Longo, this past weekend while attending the Nordstrom Beauty Trend Show. If you don't know who Vincent Longo is, you'll certainly recognize his body of work. He's made up such famous faces as Jennifer Lopez, Molly Sims, Michelle Williams, Claire Danes, Mina Suvari, and many more.

Vincent Longo talks about his Water Canvas makeup line and demos his blush the beautiful model at the runway show

Longo visited the Trend Show to showcase the latest in his beauty line -- his Water Canvas foundation and blush line, which I had the pleasure of trying out after the show. This cream-to-powder product is designed to feel ultra-light, be buildable (sheer to full coverage), and impart a real-skin finish (not to moist, nor too matte). I can vouch for that. After Carlo, a Vincent Longo makeup artist, did my makeup at around 11 a.m., I wore it all day and well into the evening and I couldn't feel it and got a lot of compliments on the finish.

About the product line:

• Contains 75% Microwater, which is a natural botanical seaweed polymer, to maintain the skin's moisture balance, and silica to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. 
• Has vitamin E to protect the skin
• Is long lasting
• Can be touched up throughout the day (if you need to) without caking. (The amazing part is you can apply this over your existing makeup. I know, he actually demonstrated it on me during my one-on-one)
• The packaging has patented technology to seal out air each time you close the jars to keep the product from drying out. (Note: Always remember to close your products when not in use. These have such a high water concentration they will definitely evaporate and dry out if you don't close them correctly. Luckily, it has a nice snapping sound to let you know you've fully closed it)

Vincent Longo demonstrates how to blend eyeliner to give your eye a cat-like lift. 

After the runway show, Longo held two master classes, where he walked event participants through a full-face makeup application. I sat in on one of the sessions and he shared some great makeup application tips that I just have to share with you:

• When you apply your eye makeup, start with your eyeliner and use it shape your eyes. Using a pencil liner, line close to your lashes then flick it out at the outer end (like a cat eye, but not dramatic). Then use a small stiff brush to blend it out using light upward strokes. Once it's blended, follow with your eye shadow application. The blended liner will create a shadow that gives your eyes and upward lift. 
• Apply the darkest shadow to the same area where you applied the pencil, starting from the outside (to deposit the most color out there) and work your way in. Then apply the middle color from your outer corner (to meet your liner) and working it into the crease (to create a V in your outer corner). Then apply the lightest color to your lid by patting it on with the brush. Blend after each step. 
• When you smoke out your bottom lash line use light downward strokes with your brush to feather the shadow. It will give it a softer, smokier look than if you use horizontal strokes. 
• When filling your eyebrows, work from the outside in. Identify the peak of your brow, then fill in from that point out. After you do that, fill in the inner part of the brow. This will keep you from over filling, avoiding the dreaded caterpillar-brow look. 
• Apply your lipstick or gloss before you apply blush. It will bring color to your face and keep you from over applying color on your cheeks. 
• When lining your lips, line the cupids bow first. Then, when you fill in the outer part of your top lip, slightly arch the line (rather than drawing a straight line from the cupid's bow to the outer corners) to create a pouty look. Be careful not to exaggerate the arch, keep it along your lip line to avoid obviously over drawn lips. 

My Vincent Longo Water Canvas product purchase: Water Canvas Foundation ($57) in #09 Natural Tan and Water Canvas Blush ($44) in Swan Lake

Finally, I'd like to share with you a quick review of the Water Canvas products I purchased. Both feel amazingly light on the skin, which still totally shocks me. I do not feel like I have makeup on at all. But I look fantastically put together. The consistency of these cream-to-powder items is incredibly soft and light. And the most awesome part is that they feel cool to the touch when you apply them on your skin, making them  really refreshing to apply. It feels like someone gently patting a cool damp cloth to your face. 

I've always shied away from cream foundations because they just looked heavy and intimidated me. If you're like me in this respect, have no fear! These feel nothing like the cream products you've seen before. 

To apply, use a disposable makeup wedge (or a beauty blender if you prefer) and tap it into the product lightly. Vincent recommends tapping it around the outer perimeter. Swiping it will pick up too much product. Then apply using patting motions on your skin. Using the sponge will give you medium coverage. For full coverage wait until the first layer dries, then apply another layer strategically where you need it. For sheer coverage, use a damp makeup wedge. 

• There really is no need to use a powder to set this, since it's cream to powder. 
• It gives you the perfect finish. Not too dewey (which for those of us with combo or oily skin can make us look greasy) and not too matte (which can sometimes age us). 
• I can't emphasize this enough: The finish looks like your skin, but better: perfectly moisturized, even, with a healthy glow (not a greasy glow). You'll look like you've followed all the beauty rules you're whole life.
• It's long lasting. I wore mine for more than 8 hours before needing a touch up.
• If you feel the need to do touch ups, you can. Right over the makeup you have on. Without causing cake face. I tried this just to test it out in the areas where I usually need a touch up - between by brows where oiliness and friction with my glasses usually wears my makeup down. The results looked flawless. (Color me shocked. Seriously.)
• Swan Lake is the perfect blush color for everyone. A beautiful shade of rose that gives you what Longo describes as "that new love flush." He's right. It's such a naturally beautiful color. I saw him apply it on various skin tones throughout the day and it made everyone look radiant. 
• It's oil free and moisturizing enough for all skins. I have combination skin. My forehead is dryer than the rest of my face. It moisturized my dry areas and didn't make my oily areas look greasy. 
• If I had to compare Water Canvas blush to another blush, I'd say it's close to the Sephora Double Contouring cream blush, but better..Water Canvas is much more moisturizing and looks more skin like. It's also more user friendly (easier to blend and sheer out, and more difficult to over apply). Not to mention (ok, I'm mentioning it), the Sephora cream blush doesn't offer that refreshing feeling on the skin (you might think I'm crazy now, but once you try it you'll want every makeup product you own to feel this way).

Now, I realize these are on the pricey side, especially if you stick to the drugstore items. I've never paid this much for foundation or blush (until now). But let me tell you, it's completely worth every penny. I'm so incredibly impressed by this makeup line that I'm practically jumping with excitement. It's like I found Jesus in a makeup compact (so that's where he's been!). I'm convinced that Vincent Longo is a makeup genius. 

Do you think you would try the Water Canvas makeup line? What aspects of it make you interested in checking it out? 

Tutorial: The Easiest Way to Apply False Eyelashes

Many thanks to the gals at The Beauty Department blog who posted this on Pinterest and ended my false eyelash application woes. I didn't shy away from applying the false lash strips, but it was always like a stealth ninja mission for me. I inevitably would put the lash strip, glue and all, just above where I needed to, getting glue on my freshly applied makeup. Never detered, I'd try until I got it right. But now, all I need is one single, easy, quick attempt and voila, I'm done.

Once I read their instructions and tried it for myself, I had to basically tell the world. So, naturally, I filmed a video on how to do it. Hope this helps you as much as it helped me. And let me know if it worked for you!


Makeup:
L'Oreal True Match Foundation - Creamy Natural C3
Rimmel Stay Matte - Creamy Beige
Sephora Cream to Powder Blush - Coral Flush (N2)
MAC Lipstick Ravishing
MAC Black Track
Cover Girl Lash Blast Macara - Blackest Black
Rimmel Lash Accelerator Macara  - Extreme Black
Urban Decay Naked Palette - Toasted, Buck, Darkhorse
Maybelline Define a Brow - Medium Brown

Music by Dan-O at danosongs.com

Songs: En La Brisa and Sunglass Rehab

Quick tip: A fix for sweaty feet

Just a quick note to everyone - You can also use spray-on deodorant if you don't like the idea of rubbing deodorant on your feet directly from the deodorant bar (for example if you are using a travel one in your purse that you also use on your armpits).


Additional video-related information:

Related video: How to keep your feet from sliding out of your shoes http://youtu.be/kFysk82naPY

On my face:

Sephora Collection Jumbo Liner 12hr Wear - Taupe
e.l.f. waterproof liquid eyeliner - black
Sephora Collection Microsmooth Foundation - Nude
Sephora Microsmooth Bronzer Duo - Honey
Coastal Scents 10 blush palette
Coastal Scents 15 concealer palette
Maybelline Define-a-brow - Medium brown
L'Oreal Voluminous False Fiber - Black
Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume - Very Black

Nails: Sally Hansen Pacific Blue & Mint Sorbet

Tips & Tricks: Opening sample packets

Photo credit: Smashbox website

I learned something new this weekend that I just have to share. I'm so thrilled, my excitement is bordering on unnatural. You may have read a blog post here and there where I complain about my ineptitude when it comes to opening sample packets in a way that won't waste product. I'm usually referring to the samples that come in little pouches like the one pictured above with the little tear notch at the top, think shampoo, primers, foundation, and moisturizer samples. I always tear and end up wasting so much product, either by squeezing too much out, or because it dries out due to the inordinately large tear. 

Well, I was at the Origins store this weekend, restocking my facial moisturizer (Starting Over age-erasing oil-free moisturizer with Mimosa, for those of you wondering), and the sales lady gave me some free samples of their new Planscription eye serum, which I think is new and not out yet, because I can't find it on the website. As she is handing me the samples she volunteered this tip without my even asking (how did she know?!):

Tips on Buying Beauty Products from Discount Stores

Everyone likes to find a deal. But like everything else, when hunting for cosmetics bargains at discount retailers you must be a smart shopper. Discount shops like dollar stores, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, etc. get their deals when merchants have excess inventory they need to unload. That means, some of the products that you find may have easily been sitting in a warehouse for a while. Cosmetics do go bad. They expire and some items are affected by heat. Not to mention, rough handling can land you with damaged products. That means, you have to be savvy shopper to make sure you are not sacrificing quality when you amass savings. Don't buy a product just because it's a name brand at a deep discount. Inspect your products so your bargains are worth your while.

I have my own rules of thumb that I follow, and recently, there was an article on the MSN.com homepage (courtesy of Allure Magazine) addressing this topic as well. So, I thought this was a great opportunity to share these tips with you. A lot of the tips I follow when shopping for beauty deals were listed in the article, with a few here and there that I'm now adding to my repetoire. Here's what you should know when beauty-bargain shopping:

• Make sure products are sealed.

This may seem obvious, but it's worth saying. You use cosmetics on your face. You don't want them full of bacteria. Make sure they are sealed before you buy. Sometimes places like TJ Maxx will put items that are not sealed (like high-end eyeshadow palettes) in security containers to keep customers from touching the product or breaking it. You can always go to the counter and ask that they open the container so that you can see the product. The sales person can make sure you don't mess with the item, and you can look at it before you buy it.

Try not to buy products that are not sealed, especially cream or liquid products (e.g., foundations, lipgloss. facial wipes). But if you must, say you inspected it and to the naked eye it looks like it has not been touched, make sure you disinfect it when you get home. Makeup can harbor bacteria, and you don't want to end up with a nasty case of pink eye or cold sores. If a powder product is sealed, give it a light shake by your ear to listen for damage. If you hear moving crumbles, the product might be broken (they can be dropped afterall).

• Disinfect. Disinfect. Disinfect.

Yes, it's possible to do. I purchased a Clarins compact bronzer, three Nars blushes, and some Estee Lauder and Model Co lipsticks at TJ Maxx. All of these products, while in their containers, were quite easy for me to open and look at, which means others could too. So, I made sure that (1) they looked clean (both the packaging and the actual product), and (2) did not look like they'd been touched to the naked eye. When I got home, to be safe, I disinfected them as well. Here's what you do:

• For pressed powder: Take isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) and put it in a spritz bottle and spritz it over your pressed powder product (e.g., eyeshadows, blushes). Use rubbing alcohol (same as isopropyl) because it evaporates quickly so that it doesn't damage your product and it kills bacteria (that's why you need 70% or higher). Don't douce it with alcohol, you don't want it to be all wet and get all gooky (is that a technical term?)
• For lipsticks: Take a small container (like the alcohol bottle's cap or a shot glass), add rubbing alcohol, and dip the tube of lipstick into the alcohol. With a clean tissue paper, wipe down the top layer of the tip of the lipstick (the part you touch to your lips).
• For eyeliners and lipliners: Dip the tip of the liner into a small container of rubbing alcohol (like with the lipstick) and then sharpen the liner (use a clean sharpener), then dip it in the alcohol again, and wipe it with a clean tissue.
• For cream products (e.g., shadows, foundations) that come in a jar: Wipe down top layer then lighly spritz with rubbing alcohol. Note: It is a lot harder to make sure these products are disinfected. I would avoid buying them if they are not sealed. If you will use them on others, I recommend using a spatula to remove product rather than double dipping. It's the most sanitary way to do it. If you have touched the top layer, wipe it down, and spritz, and try not to do it again (unless you will only be using it on yourself).

I feel this bears repeating: If you are able to open a product, and it is obvious that someone touched it, put it back. It's really not worth getting an eye/lip/face infection.

• Know your brands and products

Every bargain shopper knows this rule: Be an educated shopper. You want to be sure you don't end up getting ripped off, but also that you are indeed getting a good bargain. If I see a Nars product at TJ Maxx I know that I can expect that the color I see is the color I'm going to get. I am also familiar with the price I'd pay retail (or at least the range) so I know whether I found a good deal. I have aquired four Nars gift sets at TJ Maxx. I got them all for less than $30 each, which I knew was a steal.. I know the quality of their products are good, so I was able to purchase them with confidence. The more you educate yourself about products in general, the more armed you will be when faced with a bevy of different options to fish out the good deals. You don't need a Ph.D. in the subject. When you read magazines or online articles, look at prices. You'll eventually notice pricing trends. You will also learn what products others have tried and reviewed for you (something you could easily access with your phone these days). Don't think you have to learn it all at once. The more you peruse magazines, blogs, YouTube, and other sources, and the more you peruse the isles of discount stores, the better you will get. Remember: You don't have to buy. You can always just look around. If you miss out on a deal, there will always be a different one down the road.

• Beware of heat damage

Heat can affect a product's performance, specifically cream products like lipsticks, cream blushes, and cream foundations. Lipgloss and powders a less susceptible to heat damage. Be familiar with your store's return policy especially when buying products that could under perform due to heat damage. You want to be able to return a product if its a dud.

• Stock up on beauty tools

I purchased a set of Tweezerman tweezers for less than $20 (the retail value for one of this brand's tweezers). They have a lifetime warranty. Nail files, some brushes (check them for softness, density, etc. and be sure to wash them before use, if you can open the package and touch it, so can others), sharpeners, mirrors, etc. are all things that you will likely need. If you can get them at a good price. Get it (especially items you will need to keep replenishing like nail files or makeup sponges).

•  Make sure you can read the labels

Sometimes you might find products from different countries that might look like an awesome deal. But, if you can't read the label, how do you know what the ingredients are? If it is expired? Is there anything in it you are allergic to? If you can read multiple languagues, then you'll be in luck, you have some more options. If not, be wary, it's your skin.

• Check the packaging

Is the box in bad shape? Does it look like it's been manhandled and had it rough? Chances are, whatever is inside took a beating as well. With powder products, that could mean a huge mess. With hair tools, like blow dryers, that could mean internal damage you won't know about.

• Visit bargain stores often

This is one of my favorite rules. TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, Big Lots, and the dollar store (to name a few) get new products regularly. While you might not find the same things over and over again, they do often get repeat products. I had missed out on a hair product I wanted to try but several months later they had it again. But the best part, they get new stuff all the time. The more often you visit, the better the chance you'll catch a deal. But remember, you don't have to buy every time. You are basically taking inventory. If you find something good, if not, it's ok. Don't fall into the habit of having to get something every time just to get something, that will defeat the purpose of saving money.

What are your tips for bargain shopping for your beauty products? How about bargain shopping in general?

Source article: How to Score Amazing Dollar-Store Beauty Steals

Dry Shampoo: Skip the suds for healthy hair

Photo credit: Sephora.com

Friends and family have often asked me about dry shampoo. In fact, some have even suggested I write a post about it. The whole dry shampoo topic usually comes up when I'm asked how I keep my hair healthy since I often use heat styling products, have had many straightening treatments (though I'm currently a keratin girl, which is much gentler), throw in coloring from time to time, and go for months between haircuts. Not to mention, my keratin treatment always last way longer than the estimated time frame (I can easily go six months or longer between treatments).


My number one answer is: I don't wash my hair every day*. In fact, I don't even wash my hair every other day. I'm going to make a confession: there have been weeks I have gone five days without washing my hair. Yep, I said it. And to make my confession even more shameful, I work out almost every day (at least 4-5 days a week, all during the work week). And I sweat, not glisten. Granted, on the last day or two of my five-day no-hair-washing-stints, my hair has been pulled back into a ponytail or some other such style. But I still managed just fine.

When I divulge this information, it is usually followed by a contorted face of disgust. But hey, you all asked. You want healthy hair, you gotta lay off the suds. Not everyone has to go to the extremities I've gone to. I can get away with it for two main reasons:

1. I have dry hair, not oily hair. So by day five, my hair is not clean, but it's not greasy. My bangs might be a little oily, but it's not anything a cute braided style can't easily hide.

2. I use dry/waterless shampoo to absorb any sweat from my workouts and keep my hair smelling clean and fresh.

I don't always go without washing my hair for five days, but typically, I can easily go three to four days without batting an eyelash. If I've had a particularly long work week, you can bet I'll push it out as far as I can, preferring to zone out on the couch when I get home to having to wash and style my hair. I have to do this task at night/after work because I just can't fit it into my morning routine (i.e., after my workout) and still make it to the office in time. So that's my excuse. And to be honest it's been working out.

• I get more bang for my buck when it comes to expensive hair treatments (e.g., keratin, coloring) because my infrequent washing keeps them from fading away.

• Save money on shampoo and conditioner (especially if you like your salon brands)

• Skipping washes keeps the natural oils from my scalp on my hair nourishing my strands and making them strong, which I think has something to do with why I can extend the time between haircuts (unless I want to keep my hair short, then I just have to go get it cut) because there is less damage to curtail.

• I keep my scalp from over producing oils by not washing them away all the time therefore managing oiliness. For gals with oily hair, use dry shampoo every other day (on the day you don't wash) and your hair should become less oily over time. You'll either be able to use less dry shampoo or add yet another day between washes.

Now that you have all my reasons for skipping the suds. Here is how you can do it without looking like you haven't washed your hair. That's the trick after all. People who compliment my hair often are completely unaware that the shiny hair they are commenting on is usually on its second or third day sans wash.

Pick a dry shampoo that works well for you! I am partial to the kinds in powder form, I think they work well for all hair types. I feel like they absorb any excess oil without leaving a film on the hair that makes my hair feel sticky and, well, unclean. I'm partial to the Oscar Blandi brand, but I'm aware it's a bit pricey. I tend to buy the travel size to mitigate the cost, but it's still not cheap. I've heard people will use baby powder as an alternative to expensive dry shampoo brands. I have not tried this method myself, but have heard many people tout it as an option. The thing to be wary about with powder dry shampoo is that you have to make sure you blend it into your hair well or else you have obvious white powder on your hair. This is especially true if you choose to use baby powder. Apply with care or you will look like someone dumped flower on your head! I am still on the hunt for a dry shampoo in powder form in a drugstore brand (or at least a drugstore price). If anyone knows of one, please tell me!

Dry shampoos also come in a spray form, which pretty much works the same as an aerosol hairspray. The only one of these types I have personally tried was the Tresemme brand, and it just did not work for my hair. I felt like it left too much of a residue-like film on my strands, which made them sticky and difficult to manage. This would have been OK if I was going to put my hair up, but on the first day I use dry shampoo, I usually still leave my hair down. However, the Tresemme dry shampoo in the aerosol can says it is geared more toward oily/straight hair, so maybe that is why it did not work for me. While I style my hair straight, it's certainly not oily. I gave it to my sister, who does have oily hair, and she had a similar experience. I'd be interested to know if anyone has tried and liked an aerosol dry shampoo.

I've recently started using the Tresemme waterless foam shampoo, which is marketed for dry or curly hair, and I like it alright. It has a fresh scent and I don't feel like it leaves a lot of residue. It's light and doesn't totally ruin my straight strands (though I still need to do a flat iron touch up after I use it, which is OK with me). It's about half the price of the travel-size Oscar Blandi dry shampoo (pictured above), so I can save my travel sized one for when I go on trips now. I also like that the Tresemme one is more easily accessible. I think the mousse waterless (it's not dry since it’s a mousse) shampoo would work really well for someone who wanted to perk up next-day curls. It certainly won't weigh them down, and may even help tame some unruly frizz.

Dry shampoo isn't a new thing on the market. Women were using talc in their hair to get through the week back when it was customary to go to the beauty parlor once a week to have your hair done (washed and styled). These days, dry shampoos also give the added benefit of a fresh scent and some formulas also help add volume to your strands to help you stretch a blow dry out for a few more days.

Alright, so here's what you do with any dry shampoo:

• Lift your hair and apply the shampoo to the roots so that it can absorb oil and sweat

• Hold for a few seconds to let that powder/spray do its absorbing

• Brush your hair to remove any residue or chalkiness (from powders). Do not brush if you are restyling curls, simply run mousse product through strands with your fingers

If after using a dry shampoo, you still feel awkward about leaving your hair down, take advantage of the texture you've just added in to your hair to create a cute style, like a volumized ponytail, or a pretty braided style. The texture in your hair (or product build up if you are just going with unwashed strands sans dry shampoo) will help hold the style in place. This is usually what I do on the last day or two of my wash-free cycle.

What are your thoughts on dry shampoo? Did you find this blog post helpful?


*This is one of the main things I don't do, but its not the only thing I do for healthy, shiny hair. I also use good hair products (shampoos, frizz fighting products, heat protectant) and tools (e.g., professional flat iron) and try to eat a healthy diet.

Tips & Tricks for a Flawless Self Tan

Summer is here, and so is teeny-bikini season. You've been exercising and eating right (well, I know I have) getting ready to tackle the beach and poolside looking good. But, there is one thing you haven't done yet, get a tan. We all want to look tanned and toned in our summer attire, but what's the point of eating healthy, hydrating, and exercising (all good for your skin), if you are just going to fry in the sun and cause some nasty damage. Does anyone still need reminding that tanning causes wrinkles and is a leading cause of deadly skin cancer?


You're all smart cookies, so I can't be going out on a huge limb assuming you are diligently using your sunscreen daily (at the very least on your face and chest, right?), and especially when you're lounging out in the sun. That can only mean you're likely as pale as I am and depending heavily on your sunless tanner to help you fake a gorgeous tan. If you are, you've probably had your share of self-tanner struggles, such as:

• Streaking (the bane of most self tanners and a dead giveaway that you faked your bake)

• Orange palms (Me? Self tan? No, I just finished working in the garden and the dirt stained my hands and nails…)

• Uneven tan on your back (I can't reach back there! Go-go gadget arms!)

• Dark patches on your ankles, knees, and elbows

• Funky tanning on your hands and feet (either pale hands and feet or über-tanned hands and feet. Both are a self-tanning dead giveaway)

Well, now you can rest easy with some simple solutions I learned from these how-to self tanning videos. You should definitely watch them for great tips to help you with things such as those hard to reach places (ahem, top-middle section of the back). Here are some of the best tips I garnered from watching these videos myself:

• Apply self tanner in sections. The best approach is to work your way from the bottom up (legs, mid-section, back, arms). It's best to leave your arms for last so that you can sit still afterwards to let them dry (avoid some streaking).

• Use the palms of your hands, not your fingertips, for a more even application. The palms of your hands are broader and will cover more surface area. Your fingers will cause streaks.

• Use gloves. Want to avoid stained palms? Go to the beauty supply store and pick up some latex gloves (unless you are allergic to latex, then by all means, stay away, and get a non-latex alternative). Make sure the fit is snug, if they are too big they will shift around when you are applying your tanner and cause streaking.

• Apply a thin layer of lotion to ankles, knees, heels, and elbows before starting your self-tan application. Have you been exfoliating these areas only to find yourself tanner still sticks to these areas making them look darker than the rest of your tan? Apparently, the trick to avoiding this is twofold: (1) apply a thin layer of lotion to these areas and (2) apply only the tanning solution that is left over on your hands when you go over these areas. For example, apply tanner to your thighs, and using whatever product is left over on your hands, go over your knees.

• Leave your feet for last when applying tanner to your legs. If you don’t want to sport the dirty-feet look, wait until you are done applying tanner to your legs before you tan your feet. Use whatever products is left over on your hands after applying self tanner to your shins and calves and go over your feet. Use a light touch, especially when you get down to your toes. And make sure to get in between the toes! Basically, you want the tan to gradually get lighter (while still giving you color) as you reach the tips of your toes. (Note: The videos demonstrate this very nicely)

• Tan your hands by rubbing the backs of them together. Once you take off your gloves (or thoroughly wash your hands if you are skipping the gloves — I suggest using a scrub), pump a very small amount of tanner onto the back of your hand (suggest a half a pump or less), then rub the backs of your hands together. Use a light touch when you reach your fingers, you want the same effect as on your feet (lighter as you get to the tips of your fingers). Don't forget to go in between your fingers too. Also, apply lotion to your nails and cuticles to keep the tanner from tanning your nails or making the skin around them super dark.

Now you are all done! Make sure you let the self tanner dry before getting dressed, and wear loose-fitting clothes while the products processes. It usually takes tanners such as Sun Labs or St. Tropez, four to eight hours to process. In that time, avoid water and sweating. I find tanning works best for me if I do it at night. My pajamas are loose and the tanning solution processes as I sleep. Then the next morning (tada!) I'm tanned and can shower off any excess self tanner so it doesn't rub off on my clothes.

Some of my favorite self tanners include: Jergens Natural Glow in the Express formula (for when you need a tan in 3 days flat - or faster, I was pretty darn tan by day two, day three was a bonus) and the Foaming formula, St. Tropez, and Sun Labs.

Check out this article from Bella Sugar for extra tips, which is where I found out about the fabulous how-to videos.

Do you have any special tips or tricks you use to get a fabulous self tan? Please share if you do, or if you used any of these with success. I know the tip for applying tanner to the hard to reach places on your back really worked for me (that one is in one of the videos, you have to see it, it's hard to describe in written form), and so did the tricks for tanning the hands and feet.

Beauty Tip: Mixing foundation to transition to spring and summer

After attending the Nordrom Beauty Trend event, I learned a trick from one of the Nars makeup artists that can be used to transition your current foundation to the spring and summer. The Nars artist used this trick to darken the foundation she was going to use on me because I was in between shades. I thought I'd share the trick, and do it using a cheaper drugstore product. You don't have to use the same brand product I used, any foundation brand will do, use whatever you prefer. I used the L'Oreal True Match because I had a $2 off coupon.

Quick Tip: Keep your feet from slipping out of your shoes with hairspray

Getting the most out of your Urban Decay Primer Potion

Think you've finished all the product in your Urban Decay Primer Potion once your doe-foot applicator no longer seems to bring any product out of that cute genie-lamp-shapped bottle? Think again! Before you toss out your bottle and run out to buy a new one, read this post. If you don't, you might be throwing away a significant amount of product (read: money!).

This isn't new news, many a YouTuber has made a video about this topic. There are how-to videos galore on how to get all the product out of that oh-so-cute packaging. In fact, it's one of the primary reasons there are people out there who will not buy the coveted primer potion. It's not because it's not good, but because it's so hard to get all the product out of the curves and crevices the bottle creates. Alas, there are quite a few people out there who aren't tuned in to the beauty community on YouTube, so I figure I'd write a blog post to show you just how much product I was able to fish out of the bottle once a broke it open. You'll be quite surprised at just how much is left (and just how much you've possibly been tossing out!). 

Here is what you'll need:

• A clean cutting board
• A clean serrated steak knife
• A small container, like the kind you get when you go to Sephora and ask for a sample of a foundation. If you are reusing a container (like I did), make sure you clean it and disinfect it. I used a sample container I got at Origins for a facial moisturizer. I washed it with soap and water, and then cleaned it off with isopropyl alcohol. You can also buy these online at beauty suppliers such as Coastal Scents. You can also find them on Amazon.com.
• A clean butter knife or cosmetics spatulas
• Paper towel

Note: Be careful when cutting the container, don't cut yourself!

• Untwist the top from the container, and place the doe-foot applicator on the paper towel, then set aside. You will use the applicator to get the product out of the container once you cut it open. You can also use a butter knife, but I felt the applicator got into the little curves and crevices better. You can also use disposable cosmetics spatulas. 
• Place the primer potion container on the cutting board and use the serrated knife to cut the packaging in the locations shown in the photo below 

• Use the applicator to scoop out product and put it in the cosmetic jar. Remember, the serrated knife will cause there to me some dust from the container in the top layer of the product, lightly scoop that out with a clean butter knife or makeup spatula and discard (wipe if off on the paper towel). It's only on the very top layer of each top section, so it won't be much product at all you will be scraping off (you will be able to see it). Then use the applicator to get the rest of the useable product out.

Check out how much product was left inside the sections:

Top "fattest" section of the bottle. 

This of course had the most product left inside

It's hard to see how much was left in here, but when I cut the 

section below, I got a significant amount of product out. 

My camera had run out of batteries, so I didn't get a picture

but with the doe-foot applicator, I was able to salvage A LOT.

Look at the section behind the one I'm holding, you can see a lot

of product is left in there too!

Check out just how much final product I was able to salvage. To think, I nearly threw that all away! It is enough for several more uses. 

Make sure that you use a container you can close tightly so that the product you took the trouble to save, doesn't dry out quickly. 

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In a Pinch: Quickie Eyeshadow Brushes

Ever been in rush when you packed your bags for a trip, only to realize you forgot your eyeshadow brushes? Fear not, you don't have to go out and buy a back up set (you could, but if you don't absolutely have to), just check out this quick and easy remedy.

Video: Remedy for razor bumps and ingrown hairs

Well, here is a video to accompany my post about remedying razor bumps and ingrown hairs.