There are many things about beauty that do not come naturally. Applying makeup can be something that a woman struggles with and that is normal. Nobody is born knowing how to apply mascara or the perfect place to apply blush. It is something you learn. What I love about writing beauty reviews is that there’s always something new to learn about how I apply makeup.

Techniques are simply methods that let you learn the basic and branch out from there. For example, eye shadow can be applied in numerous ways depending upon the look you desire. It is possible that you will never learn all the ways to apply to eye shadow because there are just so many.

The most common and simple approach to applying eye shadow is to cover the entire lid with a single color. Not much to that. What if you learn a couple of simple techniques to take that look to a whole new level?
Applying mascara, though, is one thing that is generally done the same way.

1. You start by applying to the upper lashes using the brush to simply sweep the lashes.

2. Then you apply to the lower lashes by holding the wand vertical and brushing the lashes.

So what else can you do with mascara?

Recently, I discovered the Imju Fiberwig Long Lash Kit that basically walks you through a great technique. How? The kit includes a “How to go Beyond Mascara with Fiberwig” DVD and a Compact Eyelash Curler. Never used a curler? You’ll learn how to create dramatic and long looking lashes with simple steps.

You can spend a lifetime learning to apply makeup. Techniques give you the chance to try it out in new and fun ways. That is what makes makeup so fun and such a great addition to your daily routine.

Think of makeup like fresh fruit. If you don’t consume it within a certain amount of time it will go bad. Unlike that crispy new apple, it may not be as readily apparent that your makeup has turned. Applying old makeup and skin care products to your face can actually be doing more harm than good. Bacteria can get into even the most expensive brand name products and irritate your skin.

Mascara is a prime example. Old mascara is a prime target for bacteria and can lead to eye infections. So throw out those old clumpy tubes. I don’t care if you have a date. Which is worse for your guy to see - macara-less lashes or the inside of an emergency room?

Here are some rules of thumb when it comes to your makeup’s expiration:

1) Unopened cosmetics and skin care products have the longest shelf life. Keep all cosmetics in a cool dry environment. Hint, your bathroom is probably not the best place to store your cosmetics.

2) If your makeup looks like it is separating ( i.e. if it looks like there is liquid sitting on top of a thicker substance) then it is more than time to toss it. Don’t try shaking it to try to reblend it, unless the product specifically says that this is normal.

3) Don’t put the makeup directly on your hands, straight from the bottle. Use a cotton swab or double folded tissue paper.  Your fingers have germs and natural oils that can easily get into your products with repeated use.

4) Keep jar sealed tightly. Yes, I know that you are in a hurry to get out the door but this only takes an extra second or two.

5) Replace mascara at least every three months and really make sure that it is sealed tightly between uses.

These are just a few tips on how to keep your makeup fresh so that you can continue to have wonderful glowing skin and less skin reactions. These tips are even more important if you have any type of problem with acne. Don’t let your makeup be one more battle between you and your quest for clear, beautiful skin.

Hair Care for Curly Girls

Ever since I started writing beauty reviews, I’ve been getting e-mails from those of you with curly hair. While the rest of us are full of envy for your gorgeous locks, it seems that having that head of lovely curls can be a huge challenge if you don’t know what to do with it.

I hear the same refrain: that hair care advice usually involves how to add curls, rather than manage the ones you’ve got now. So I asked a local hair expert who specializes in hair care for curly girls what the deal is. Here are his tips for maintaining a head of frizz-free and manageable curls.

1. Curls LOVE water. My expert advises that you find a low-lather shampoo and conditioner combo that is designed to hydrate. I found the Ojun Ultra Hydrating Shampoo online for only $9 a bottle. (But we don’t need to tell that to my stylist friend who sells products at twice that price.)

2. Keep it trimmed. Of course this is good advice for anyone. However, it seems that split ends and tangles just add to that puffy and frizziness that drives you curly girls crazy.

3. Shampoo only when needed. Unlike those of us with straight or oily hair, you should not be shampooing your curls daily. Once or twice a week should be enough. But condition as needed.

4. Hands-Off the curls! The more you mess the more they tend to frizz. Try squeezing out excess water and then using a couple of paper towels for leftover water. Towels suck up too much water that your curls need.

5. Treat ‘em like family. Avoid brushes, combs and picks. Instead, wrap each curl family around a finger and put it into place. Use your gel or other product to scrunch up curls and keep them in place.

So there you go my curly headed friends. Your hair care issues are definitely a bit different from what the rest of us deal with. But now you can flaunt those gorgeous locks and the rest of us will envy you even more!

Learning how to apply makeup in a flattering way can be difficult. One of the best ways to get started with makeup is to use a makeup kit. Beauty reviews rave about the many beauty kits on the market that teach women how exactly to apply make up products. I like them because these kits make applying makeup simple and stress free.

A really great makeup kit for learning all you need to know about applying makeup is the Bare Escentuals Get Started Kit - Fairly Light/Light ($181 Value) . These kits come in many varieties for different skin tones. The kit teaches you how to create the best foundation, which is important in applying makeup correctly. It comes with brushes and all the supplies you need to create a flawless foundation. You get step by step instructions on how to apply the makeup, as well.

There are other types of makeup kits on the market, too. You can buy kits that teach you how to:

•shape your eyebrows
•apply lipstick and
•apply blush and more…

Almost any makeup skill you want to learn has a makeup kit to teach you how. Kits truly make application as easy as 1-2-3!

You simply:

1.Buy the kit you want
2.Familiarize yourself with the tools and then
3.Apply the makeup step by step according to the instructions

It is a simple and easy way to learn or relearn how to apply make up for a professional finished look. These kits are great for everyone, from the beginner to someone who just wants to learn a new application method.

Sincerely,
Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

P.S. FREE sample of Bare Escentuals’ RareMinerals Skin Revival Treatment. Enter code BESAMPLE at checkout. *While supplies last.

Top Tips on How to Apply Makeup

If you’re like me, somewhere in preadolescence you probably learned how to apply makeup. What most girls this age don’t learn is how to apply makeup correctly. Applying makeup is an art and it has to be done correctly or you could end up looking like a clown.

Here are some of my favorite tips on how to apply makeup.

• Focus on one feature or go natural on all features. For example, if you want to make your lips stand out then go with a bright lipstick, but keep your eyes and cheeks subtle. Not only does this keep you from looking too made up, but it also helps to really make the highlighted feature pop.
• Start out light. You can darken much easier then you can lighten. You want to always start out with the least amount of makeup and then work up to your finished look.
• One last thing to know when you apply makeup is that it is a layering process. For your skin you should start with moisturizer. You can then add concealer or foundation or both. Then you finish with a powder.
• For your lips you start with a bit of moisturizer to smooth, add some lip liner and then the lipstick or gloss. When you are learning how to apply make up it is always best to buy products that are made for the beginner. You can get brushes or even actually makeup designed to make application easier. Something like Sephora Brand Perfect Ten Brush Set ($150 Value) Perfect Ten Brush Set which gives you all the brushes you will need in one handy case. Good brushes will help you to apply makeup better and more easily.

Just follow the rules and use good products when you are beginning to apply make up so that you can look more like someone from a fashion magazine rather than the circus.

Sincerely,

Caterina - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

I’ve always said that the eyes are one of the greatest features to play up when applying your makeup. Mascara cosmetics are a great way to play up eyes because there is a range of options so that no matter what your eyes may look like, you can make them look great with a little mascara.

Using mascara cosmetics is something that many women shy away from. The idea of trying to delicately paint your eyelashes with the tiny wand is more than gals can handle. It really isn’t that bad, though. Once you learn how to do it you can quickly apply a couple coats every morning with ease.

One of the biggest issues with applying mascara cosmetics is that the mascara gets on the area around your eye and can be difficult to remove. This is caused by not allowing the mascara to dry. It is a rather fast drying product so slowing down a bit when applying will eliminate this common problem.

Here are some of my best tips for choosing a great mascara!

Choose a type: As mentioned, there are a variety of different types of mascara. You will find mascaras that separate and some that plump. You will also find a variety of wand styles. You should read the product description and choose the mascara that will suit your needs and desires.

Get a magic wand: A great product for those of you want volume, length and curl all in one with an easy to use brush is Stila Multi-Effect Mascara Black. This mascara has a curved wand that will help you avoid getting the mascara on your face.

Find a winning formula: Look for a mascara formula that is made to plump and lengthen your eyelashes. It is a great product for beginners or experienced mascara users.

Now that you have chosen your mascara you can begin.

It is best to start with the upper lashes. You want to look down a bit so that your eyelashes are not lying right against your eyelid. Brush them slightly with the wand. Keep looking down for a couple of seconds to allow the makeup to dry. You can then add another layer of mascara if you would like.

To finish you need to do your bottom lashes. You do not want to brush them or you will end up with mascara all over your face. Instead use the end of the wand and run it back and forth across your lower lashes to coat them. Again, make sure you hold your head so that the lashes are not lying against your face.

It is that simple. Now you can really make your eyes stand out with a little mascara. On those days when you are running late try using just mascara and you will be surprised at how great this product can work alone. It is a quick and easy cosmetic product that you will make you wonder how you ever lived without it.

Try it for yourself.

Caterina - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

It is a well known no-no to ever sleep in your makeup. You know to have a healthy face and skin that you must remove your makeup every night. One of the trickiest parts of make up removal is removing eye makeup. Without an eye makeup remover you will have a hard time getting all the eyeliner, mascara and eye shadow off completely.

A good eye makeup remover should be gentle on your eyes and skin, but do a good job at completely removing all the makeup. You want to look for something like Bare Escentuals bareEyes - Eye Makeup Remover 4 oz . I have checked this out and it has also had some amazing beauty reviews. I like it because it’s gentle and effectively removes all traces of eye makeup with its combination of remover and moisturizer.

To remove eye makeup you have to be careful. Keep in mind that the skin surrounding your eye area is pretty fragile. So here are the basics.

• Start with a cotton ball and your eye makeup remover.

• Gentle wipe your eye, inner corner to outer, until all makeup is removed.

• Be sure to replace the soiled cotton ball with a clean one if needed.

• Try to avoid pulling at your eye or rubbing it. This can cause irritation and damage to the skin around the eye.

Eye makeup remover is something you must have in your collection of beauty items. You need to avoid the temptation of using the same cleaner you use on your face to clean your eye makeup because it is often too harsh and damaging for the eye area. Get a good eye make remover and use it everyday to keep your eyes healthy and looking amazing.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

The use of professional makeup in the mainstream is becoming more and more prominent. The makeup used by professionals has not always been available to the public, nor has the public really wanted to use it.

In the past professional makeup was cake make up that was similar to stage makeup. It was not a look that would work on the street. As technology has evolved, though, makeup has changed. Today’s high resolution technology means that makeup doesn’t have to be so strong and can actually be much more like that you would wear on the street.

Professional makeup does not have to cost a lot. Many professionals use old drug store standbys and other affordable products to make stars shine. What’s more, most of these products are easy to use.

Many professional makeup products are easily found in beauty reviews where the reviewer will mention the professional use of the product. The use of a certain item by professionals makes it more reliable because professionals know what stuff is good.

Here are a couple hints for applying this type of makeup straight from the professionals:

• Use a professional brush for applying your eye makeup. It will give you more control, and this will help you achieve what ever results you desire- subtle to dramatic.

• Use a high grade eyeliner to bring attention where you need it more. Start on the upper lid. Apply eyeliner below for a more dramatic or nighttime look. You’ll find the professional quality liner apply more easily and are easier to work with.

A great example of professional makeup that is available to the average consumer is Pop Beauty Day to Play Wallet Day To Play Wallet. This eye shadow pallet is inspired by professionals and provides a nice range of color choices that work for any need, from day to night, from office to dinner.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

One of the greatest products on the beauty market today is sheer cover makeup. The whole concept is great coverage without a thick look. Beauty reviews are always talking about sheer cover makeup because it is an amazing creation.

Since the dawn of makeup there has been the issue of too thick coverage that looks more costume like then natural. The point of makeup is to enhance your look, not cover you up and make you look fake. With sheer cover makeup that is exactly what you get – good coverage of those less than perfect spots without a heavy made up look. It is the true dream product.

One of the hottest new products is airbrush makeup. It has been used in the entertainment industry for quite some time, but it is now in the mainstream. ModelCo Shimmer Airbrush Luminizer Shimmer Airbrush Illuminizer is a great choice in this type of sheer coverage. It contains plenty of vitamins for that something extra that leaves your skin looking radiant. You get sheer coverage and look amazing when you use this product.

Sheer cover makeup is a great option if you hate looking like you caked on makeup. It is also wonderful for your skin because it doesn’t clog pores and won’t cause a greasy look. Of all the new products on the market, sheer cover makeup is one thing you can not miss out on. You will wonder how you ever did with that old makeup once you try sheer cover makeup.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls

Hair is a constant battle for any woman in the overall war of beauty. It seems nothing has received such attention as hair. Perhaps that is because it is so versatile and so different. There are so many types of hair and each woman has her own struggles and challenges with her hair. However, if there is common ground to be found it is with hair highlights.

Beauty reviews and experts will tell you that hair highlights are a great option for almost any woman who wants to change the look of her hair. They can add body, texture and dimension to hair to give it a whole new life. That makes hair highlights something to consider of you are looking for a way to pump up your hair’s look.

There is a huge market for hair highlights. Every company makes them so you can get the highlighted look at home without having to go to the salon. This makes them affordable for anyone. You have many options. There are a wide range of products with special tools that make the process less risky then it used to be in the past when streaks and chunky highlights were usually the result of at home attempts.

You can also find many shampoos and conditioners on the market that aim to bring out natural highlights in your hair. A good shampoo to try is Ted Gibson Glimmering Gold Shampoo which helps to bring out your true hair highlights and gives you an overall healthy glow to your hair. This line also features products for brunettes and redheads, so every woman, no matter her hair color, can enjoy a little natural lift.

No matter what method you choose, adding highlights to your hair is a great way to spruce it up and get a new look for summer. It tells people you are ready for a little fun in the sun. Plus it doesn’t hurt that you are going to be looking as radiant as ever.

Sincerely,

Caterina Christakos - founder of stillagirl.com - a positive place for women and girls