If you can’t define your life, start with your eyes.
A good liquid liner is hard to find. Even Chanel’s $40 liquid liner doesn’t do the trick for me. I like a nice bold line with one swipe. Why go over it again? Whose got time like that? So I went to my good ol’ drugstore and bought some liquid eyeliner to see what was up. I mean, someone must be buying that cheap makeup since every drugstore has two aisles dedicated to it. Here we go:
Almay’s Liquid Eyeliner $6 - $9
Here’s what they say about it:
· Get beautiful definition with this easy-to-use liquid liner.
· Water-resistant formula lasts up to 16 hours without irritation.
· Unique “inkwell” design delivers fresh color every time.
· Flex-tip applicator provides mistake-proof control.
Girl, that is half the truth. I had to reapply the line twice and sometimes even three times to get the bold look that I love! My eyeliner came off after about six hours which does not make me happy. I had gotten a tip from my girl to press down on the brush before applying to make it less rigid. It helped but wasn’t enough to make this product worth it for me. Girl, if you have more patience than me, (a middle school math teacher in the real world speaking here) then get this. With time and a steady hand, this liner could do the trick.
Womp, womp.
L’Oreal’s Telescopic Precise Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon Black $8 - $11
My review is only for the color carbon black. I hear the others aren’t as awesome.
What they say about it:
· Glides on without smudging or smearing.
· All day wear.
· Ophthalmologist and allergy tested.
· Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
· Fragrance free.
Well, the boring description doesn’t really do it justice. Here’s what GYLG has to say about it:
· It lasts all day
· It lasts all night (HAYO)
· Glides on easily; one stroke is all you’ll need.
· The color is a deep, bold black.
· I never get that weird burning sensation that other liners can cause.
· It washes off easily.
· Stiff tip but easily loosens up after pressing into a tissue.
Girl, if black is your color, go get this eyeliner and let me know your thoughts.
tl;dr:
Loreal’s Telescopic Precise Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon Black > Almay’s Liquid Liner
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Need help with your makeup still? Look out for more details on my March 26th class. Questions about the class? Drop me a line: lessons@girlyoulookgood.com
Just in case you didn’t already know – tl;dr is the nerdy way of saying “too long; didn’t read.”
You don’t want to age. You want clear skin.You want your makeup to go on smoothly. And you want to have that glow that JLo has even without makeup. There’s only one way to do it: keep your face clean.
As an artist, when a client sits in my chair, I can almost immediately tell if she takes care of her skin or not. Working on skin that is unkempt is much harder and requires much more makeup. Remember, less is always more. Spare me please!
I’m going to make this as simple as possible. I’ve created a list of what I recommend doing on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, and I’ve recommended a luxury item in each section if you’re in the mood to splurge. I’m no dermatologist, but I do know what works for me. Don’t forget that my momma is a European-trained beautician; she’s smacked some good habits in me.
DAILY
- Wash your face every morning and every night.
I could probably make a long list of cleansers that I like. My favorite for now is made by Zirh. It’s actually a line for men’s skincare but it’s the bomb. Zirh’s Clean has aloe extracts and alpha hydroxy acids which gently remove most makeup.
You’ll need more than just facial cleaner to take off all of your makeup. Use a facial cleansing cloth (they are available at all drug stores) for your skin type to remove the excess makeup. Girl, when you look at that wipe and see what the soap didn’t take off, you’ll be pretty grossed out.
Luxury Item:
Shu Uemera’s Skin Purifying Oil changed my life. The travel size bottle costs about $14 and lasts at least a month.
Shu Uemera has been around for a long time and has worked with celebrity skin as far back as the 50’s. This super awesome cleansing oil has green tea extracts in it to make your skin look and feel awake. Apparently, he used this on celebrities who had to have heavy makeup applied multiple times a day when other cleansers were too harsh.
Get it. Read the directions. Use it everyday. Thank me later.
- Moisturize your face every morning and night.
I even recommend that you apply it even more than twice a day if it’s convenient. Hydration = younger looking skin.
Also, make sure your moisturizer has at least SPF 15 in it for the day, and use a good night cream. Don’t forget to add a few drops of that Argan Oil!
Luxury Item:
I used to get the feeling that no matter how much I moisturized my face, it was still dry. Laura Mercier’s Perfecting Water changed that. Laura used Japanese technology to make this amazing concoction. Splash on some of this goodness before applying your moisturizer. But the magic really begins after you apply your moisturizer. This water actually opens up your pores to help your moisturizer do its job. You’ll feel a difference in your skin instantly. It comes in a Light formula(for partially dry skin) or a Rich formula (for very dry skin) .
- Wear an eye cream every morning and night.
You wanna look young, right? The biggest telltale signs of aging are the eyes. If you’re sitting in your office, just take a look at the eyes of the women around you. If they only didn’t have those laugh lines, they’d probably look mad young, right? Take care of it NOW. I love Mario Badescu’s Glycolic Eye Cream. It gently exfoliates your eyes and keep you looking as young as you feel. Girl, I actually love Mario’s whole line so much that I’d let him be friends with me.
WEEKLY
- Exfoliate once or twice a week. No more! Over exfoliation can cause large pores. Girl, that ain’t cute.
Good ol’ Apricot Scrub does the trick. I don’t care which one you use, just get that dead skin off your face so that you have that glow I keep talking about. Rub gently in circles, feel the burn, and see the results.
MONTHLY
This is a luxury in itself.
I know. Facials can be pricey and having to add yet another beauty appointment to your busy schedule seems ludicrous. Here’s the thing: dirt festers in your pores and leads to pimples and break-outs. Getting that facial takes out the dirt that your cleanser and exfoliant can’t reach. The process of extracting blackheads should even hurt a little; this means all the dirt is getting out. My mom would be happy to beat your face up in her facial room. Go see her at least once every couple months.
Glad you read this, right? Now go make yourself look even better by bringing out the skin that’s been hiding under all that funk.
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Don’t forget: The Fall Makeup Class is THIS SATURDAY. You know you want to come so register by this Friday. Thanks.
Ladies! I am happy to announce that my next class has been scheduled! This class is in the evening so if you have plans your face will be all set for the night. I’ll demonstrate how to apply the basics and how to transition into a night look. Be sure to bring your makeup bag and questions! Drinks and appetizers will be served.
When: September 25, 2010 @ 6pm
Where: Downtown Silver Spring, Maryland
Registration Fee: $40
Includes: Two Hour Lesson, Personalized Packet, Refreshments, Gift Bag
Girl, there are only ten spaces per class and will be reserved on a first come first serve basis. Fill out the registration form to save a spot!
Questions about this lesson? Girl, just ask: lessons@girlyoulookgood.com.
If you are a regular follower of GYLG or simply a nice person, please recommend the site here. It would make me so darn happy if I were to get listed on Tumblr’s top picks.
Read that again if you need to.
You know that feeling when you are invited to a party and you know that your ex is going to be there? We’ve all had that feeling in the pit of our stomachs: you know, the one where you aren’t sure whether you want to pop him in the face eight times or you want to truly know how he’s doing because you did share a few special moments together. Regardless, the first thing that goes through your mind is, “I NEED TO LOOK HOT THAT NIGHT!”
Another scenario is a first date. You’ve stalked his Facebook page (In your mind: “Who’s that girl in a bikini all over him?!”), you’ve read all those trashy magazines to figure out what the latest trends are (We love you, Kim K.), and managed to hide your issues quite well during that first phone conversation (I mean you did say to him: “Some girls are just soooo crazy but I’m not” *awkward laugh*).
Can’t relate to any of the above? Then girl, you are lucky.
This post will be about makeup and how to save any shred of dignity you have left.
What NOT to do:
1. Do not wear so much makeup that you look like a completely different person. He could be the man that you wake up to some day or you’ve already woken up to him. HAYO. Let him like you for what you really look like because GYLG! Staying natural shows you are confident and comfortable with who you are.
2. Do not wear false eyelashes. For heaven’s sake, if one falls out you’ll die of embarrassment and he’ll be left scratching his head wondering why a small centipede looking thing just fell out of your eye. False lashes are for big events only.
3. As I’ve stressed in a previous post, do not wear a foundation color that does not match your face. Don’t try to over-bronze and fake like you’ve been at the beach when you haven’t. Do not try to look whiter because it’s considered more beautiful in your culture. Your mom, aunt, cousin, uncle, and grandma don’t know what they are talking about. Your natural skin color is gorgeous because it’s on YOU and GYLG!
What TO do:
1. Be yourself - that means look like yourself.
2a.Choose natural colors (blush, lips, eyes) for that first date. If you are doing a fancy dinner, add a deeper color in your eye crease and blend well. Also, make your liner a little thicker.
2b. For the ex, match the occasion and don’t wear anything that will make you stand out more than the others. Remember, you are comfortable and confident just being yourself. You want to fit in; this enhances the fact that you are not trying.
3. Reapply lip gloss in the bathroom. Putting on more at the dinner table or on the dance floor is tasteless and clearly shows you are TRYING. Put it away and take it to the bathroom.
You really never lost your dignity did you? Now go and be hot and show him that you are the bomb.com!
Girl, bat those lashes but make sure that he can see them!
Mascara makes all of us look better. No matter what! I used to apply fairly expensive brands (Lancome, Dior, Chanel, etc …) but learned that the ones found in drug stores work just as well, if not better. Here are some basic tips before I tell you what I love:
1. Mascara should be the LAST thing you put on your eyes. If you put it on before your shadow you’ll see it on your lashes and that’s just tacky. If you put your liner on after your mascara you won’t be able to get as close to your lash line as you’d like.
2. Apply additional coats of mascara before it dries. Applying it while it’s dry gives you that spider/dread lock look.
3. Applying mascara on the lower lashes is optional. I like to use it when on special occasions. Be careful when applying it; if you put on too much can ruin your whole look.
4. Start at the base of your lashes and work your way up. Use zig-zag patterns as you work your way up to make sure that you get those smaller lashes. You can move your face side to side quickly instead of the brush if this is easier for you. Make sure your man isn’t watching, he’ll think you’re insane.
We all have different types of lashes. If you have thin lashes you want to build volume and if you have short lashes you want to build length. I like to build both because thicker and longer always looks good. HAYO.
Here are my picks:
L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara
This is my favorite mascara and it only costs about $8. There are three types: Regular, Carbon Black, and Regular with a curved brush. I prefer the curved brush.
Pros: A little goes a long way and it make your lashes thicker AND longer. The mascara doesn’t flake like most high end brands - it actually makes your lashes feel soft.
Cons: It can get clumpy if you don’t work with it well. As I always say, practice with it and get comfortable. Don’t be afraid to put on too much. It does wash off but not easily. You’ll definitely need some eye makeup remover for this bad boy.
Maybelline Falsies
I had read about this mascara a few times in magazines that had celebrity testimonials, so I decided to try it. I actually like it a lot and it also costs about $8. It seems to be really popular. I had to go to three different stores to find it.
Pros: It does not clump at all and layers of it really give you a full natural lash.
Cons: It takes more work to get the look that I like. It also doesn’t give as much volume as L’Oreal’s Voluminous mascara.
Don’t think I’m crazy, but sometimes I use both mascaras. No harm in it and the price of both of the mascaras is less than one department store brand. Girl, we like that!
In the 1500’s it was the trend to have no eyebrows. Hopefully that trend doesn’t come back. DaVinci’s Mona Lisa wore it well but I’m not sure any of us would.
Filed under gifts class
Oh wait, it’s because of your eyebrows! We can’t be friends if you have eyebrows that make you look frightened 24/7. I mean it. If you don’t have the right shape for your face, you actually look worse. Basically, you look like butt if you’re brows suck. There, I said it.
When I was in the 6th grade I had one large thick brow - how traumatic. My mom started doing my brows shortly after, and I’ve been slightly obsessed ever since.
Now that I’m older and have been following the industry for about a decade, I’ve realized the true difference that proper brow care makes. Think about it - they show expression, possibly show your heritage, and they frame your face. Girl, eyebrows give you character and are sexy. Wear them right!
Right now the trend is to have thick brows. All the models are doing it and I think it looks great. Whether you like them thin or thick, the key to having good brows is to be sure the shape follows your bone structure and the anatomy of your face. Take a look at this useful diagram to see the limits/boundaries of your brows:
I was blessed with big bushy brows but still use makeup to fill in the gaps where there isn’t hair. This gives you a finished, polished look. It also takes the attention away from the hair that’s growing back in between waxing/threading appointments. Normal and thinner brows need enhancement as well.
The BIGGEST mistake women make when filling in their brows is to use the same color as their brow hair. I call this Elvira Syndrome. Girl, please get yourself together! For darker brows use a blond or deep blond shade. For lighter brows use blond only. If you are a redhead, use a lighter blond/brown with a tint of red in it. Essentially, these suggested colors create a shadow to your natural brow versus creating new ones. Some of you have blond brows that can barely be seen. Still stick to a natural color. Even you can fall victim to Elvira Syndrome.
Products I recommend so the syndrome doesn’t set in:
Laura Mercier’s Eyebrow Pencil - $19
This product is the bomb.com for those of you who don’t have bushwacked brows like me. It actually sticks to small hairs making the brow look naturally fuller. I use this when I’m on the go because it doesn’t require a brush.
Laura Mercier’s Brow Powder Duo - $24
I love this product because you can decide how deep you’d like to take the color. I make the inner brow darker and get lighter as I go out. When I’m out at night, I use only the dark color. Use an angled brush to apply.
Makeup Forever’s Eyebrow Corrector - $19
I love this product for nights where I know I’ll be sweating a lot and my makeup is dramatic. A little of this cream goes A LONG way. Be sure to practice with it before you walk out the door. You could potentially look like a hot tranny mess otherwise. A small angled brush comes with the product.
Post questions or comments below. I’m happy to answer!
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Looking for someone in the DC area to take care of those brows? My mom runs Monsoon Beauty - an at home spa in Gaithersburg. I trust her with mine so you should too. Not to mention she has 30 years of experience and is European trained. Mention this blog and get a free lip wax with those brows.
If you haven’t already registered , there are still a few seats left for August 14th’s Makeup Class. Get on it, girl!
Filed under eyebrows
Join me for a two hour lesson on makeup basics. Relax and cool off with light appetizers and yummy mimosas while I walk you through practical skincare and makeup tips. You’ll learn how to use what you already have the right way. A packet on everything you’ve learned will be provided so you won’t forget. Bring your makeup bag and let’s have some fun!
When: August 14, 2010 @ 11am
Where: Downtown Silver Spring, Maryland
Registration: $40 - Special Summer Rate
Includes: Two Hour Lesson, Personalized Packet, Refreshments
Girl, there are only ten spaces per class and will be reserved on a first come first serve basis. To register or if you have any questions, send an email to lessons@girlyoulookgood.com
Not sure if this is for you? It is if any of the below match your makeup style:
1. Girl, you can’t let go.
Is your makeup bag filled with liners that are so old you can’t even remember when or where you got it from? Does your blush have that hardened part on it that you have to scrape off to make it work? Does your makeup look exactly like it did in high school…I’m about to pass out already.
2. Girl, you are every salesperson/marketer’s dream.
Do you have makeup you’ve used once but don’t have the confidence to try again, not to mention know if you’re even using it right? Does your makeup lady sell you four new things on every visit but you never end up using them? Girl, I can relate!
3. Girl, don’t get me started.
You have all the products but you are using them ALL KINDS of wrong. Your pictures never look like you want them to even though you bought everything that you thought was right! Ahh!!
Now go back to the top and register.
Photo Credit: haileykitten on Flickr.
Filed under lesson class basics
So one of my bestest friends* gave me the gift of Josie Moran’s Argan Oil. She claimed that it cleared up her face almost instantly. I did notice (as usual) that her skin did look much better and began using it. I applied it independently at first then decided to mix in a drop or two with my regular moisturizer. The results are simply amazing! My skin looks so fresh and it feels hydrated. No more dry patches - just even, hydrated skin all over. Even my scars have lightened.
Click on the picture above for purchasing information.
The story of Argan oil is quite impressive. To this day, Berber women from Morroco collect the undigested pits from the fruit of the argan tree from goats’ dung. Pretty nasty, huh? There are more modern ways of collecting the pits, fortunately. They then roast the seeds from the pits and use the oil either for cooking or for cosmetic purposes. Its oil is high in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids which are always good for our body and skin. A cooperative has been started to help the local Berber women. These lovely ladies work in good conditions while producing this oil and cultivating the trees to increase production. By purchasing this product you will not only help yourself have better skin, you’ll be supporting the livelihood of the women who produce it. Now that looks good!
* And that bestest friend/roomie from college is Liana - the owner of Eleni’s Village, my favorite bed and breakfast in Mykonos. Go see her in paradise.
Filed under skincare moisturizer oil
Girl, why are you wearing three eye shadows, a metallic blush, and lip liner/lipstick/gloss to work? Unless your first name is “Bobbi” and your last name is “Brown” or you work at those classy MAC counters, there is absolutely no reason you should be looking like you are about to perform a Broadway musical.
I get it. Some of you can’t live without your makeup. You need it, crave it and it gives you your security. The thought of wearing less would make you feel like you’re walking the streets naked when you haven’t shaved all winter. Really. I get it…
… but your coworkers don’t. Stop looking like a drag queen and follow my tips for a fresh face at work:
- I prefer using a foundation powder during the week. You still get that fresh, clean look without looking overdone. I also use a brush to apply since sponge can put too much product on your face - great for the night look but not for work. We all have small hairs on our face so remember to use a downward motion when applying foundation powder or any type of powder to your face.
- Use a concealer only if you really need one. I definitely need it on my bad days.
- Mascara is your friend. It will make your eyes pop and you’ll look more awake. Put it on generously but make sure you lashes don’t look like dread locks. That’s just scary and, yes, boys do notice.
- Use a kohl liner to line the inside of your eyes. Make sure the liner matches your lash color. The liner will eventually fall into your lashes and will make your lashes look even fuller. Be careful to not put too much; the liner will leak onto your face if you do. Not cute.
- Pick a natural blush. I suggest the color that you would actually blush in; a color that’s similar to what you turn after a run or whatever else gets your heart racing. HAYO. Place it on the balls of your cheek, the bridge of your nose and your chin. DON’T GO OVERBOARD.
- Wear a natural gloss. Our lips are most attractive when they are pink. I suggest a neutral pink. If you are of a darker complexion, a browner pink always works. Just try to enhance your natural lip color, dammit.
The good thing about following these guidelines is that when you do go to that swanky happy hour or that hot date after work you can always put some more on for an evening look. I’ll save that for later.
Thanks to my girl, Swati, giving me the idea for this post. Now buy an awesome gift basket for someone special from her site: Prezents. Don’t worry girl, they are affordable and she is the bomb.com.
Filed under Natural Work
Photo from domesticatedsophisticate.blogspot.com
I know, I know. She’s bangin’. Her makeup is generally flawless but sometimes I think she could use a snack or a whole meal even (Gasp! A whole meal? NEVER.)
Here are my tips to get the perfect winged liner. No one wants to look like Amy Whinehouse so take my advice and, girl, you’ll be good to go:
- Use a liquid liner.
- Look at your outer bottom lid. Your liner should be as if it’s continuing that bottom lid. Keep that in mind or use a pencil and extend that line as a basis of where to go.
- Tilt your head back slightly. Your top lid should look like a straight line.
- While your head is tilted back, start from the center of your lid and draw a line straight out across. The end of the liner should get thinner. Use feather like motions with the brush as you go along. Girl, please don’t go across your lid like you’re connecting some dots. Take your time.
- Stop tilting your head back now. Go to the inner corner of your eye and connect it to where you started. Remember, the winged liner goes from thin to thick.
- Use a dark black kohl pencil to fill in any gaps and give it a clean finish.
It’s not going to be perfect the first few times you do it. Practice and be patient. Your style and taste will determine how far you want to bring your wing out.
Damn girl, you look good!
Filed under Liner
Ask my friends, I’m a critical beeyotch when it comes to makeup. Sadly, I notice everything on your face though I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut. It wasn’t always that way.
My first post will start with the most important part of makeup, the artist’s palette - you know this as YOUR FACE. I literally want to pass out when I see these three things:
- Foundation that doesn’t match. It’s not Halloween, so why are you wearing that mask?
- Too much foundation - I could scoop it off your face and then throw it on a wall for some abstract art.
- Too much concealer - after about 30 seconds it creases, and you look like a grandmother that didn’t age well.
My tips:
Girl, choose a foundation that matches your skin color (duh!).
- Purchase or try on a few colors and brands.
- Take a picture with it and see how it looks. That bright light from the flash won’t be able to hide the shade difference.
Girl, apply foundation with a tool that YOU are comfortable with.
- I use a synthetic brush for heavier coverage when I’m going out at night.
- I use a sponge when I want lighter coverage during the day.
- Only cover what you need to cover. There is NO reason for you to put foundation all over your face unless you have discoloration all over. The more natural you look the better because GYLG!
- Blend! Blend! Blend! Make sure that your foundation is fully blended. No one should be able to or wants to see it.
Girl, I know you think you got some crazy dark circles around your eyes.
- The more makeup you put on them, the more people will be able to tell you are trying to hide something.
- Having shadows on your face creates depth which is what makes us beautiful.
- Use a small synthetic concealer brush for application and then use your ring finger to gently blend it in.
And GIRL, one of the most important tips I learned while I trained to be an artist:
Filed under Foundation
