sparklemepink

A second coat of mascara will make your lashes look thicker and fuller. But if you are thinking of applying a second coat, better do it before the first coat dries, or else you will only end up clumping the lashes.

When you are painting your nails at home, don't just paint your nails with the color and be done. Start with a base coat to strengthen and protect the nails, then put the color on, and then finish with a clear topcoat to add gloss and sheen.

Use these tricks to get your hair drama under control.

The Makeover:
1. Get a trim: Split ends can cause frizz — cut them off!
2. Cut it right: Ask for a medium-length cut (to weigh down any puffiness) with tapered ends (for an edgy look).
3. Relax your bangs: A chemical relaxer keeps frizzies around your face in check. (It works for any hair type!)

After the Cut:
1. Use styling gel: Make hair look smooth by applying a dime-size amount of gel to damp strands.
2. Try a blow-dry sheet: After the gel, rub one sheet all over damp hair to soften it, then blow dry. Try: Ted Gibson Hair Styling Sheets, $25, Sephora.
3. Flat iron: To get your style superstraight, run a flat iron over two-inch-wide sections of dry
hair.
4. Treat your locks with a hair mask: Since dry hair can look frizzy, add moisture with a weekly deep-conditioning treatment.

I had a chance to work with an awesome makeup artist this past weekend, Tamah Krinsky. Besides having skin to DIE for, she was a wealth of tips and tricks! I asked her for her favorite blushes, since I know you lovely ladies love the stuff!

Her favorites: MAC Cream Blush in Uncommon
Benefit Benetint
Becca cream blush in Terracotta
MAC cream color base in Pink Shock: "it's very pink and very fun!"
Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer #4: "not necessarily a blush but so pretty as one"

Is the entire L'Oreal HIP Jelly Balm line (especially in Plush, the shade on the far right). They feel—and look—amazing!

Um, WOW, after I used Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Eye Mask, it looked like I had gotten, like, 14 hours of sleep the night before (instead of just six, sigh). The three forms of oxygen, vitamin C, and cucumber really made a difference on those dark circles! At $54, though, maybe it's best to keep these babies to use before special occasions and parties. Visit blissworld.com to buy!

I find that, with the change in season, I'm always extra motivated to try a little harder with my makeup. Um, in my case, that actually means wearing more than just lipgloss! Lately, I've been using Tarte's EmphasEYES eyeliner in Plum to oh-so-subtly line my eyes (just to define them a bit) and I have to say... I'm obsessed! The super-slim pencil really helps get into the lash line. And I love that the product contains no parabens, preservatives, or phthalates (but is enhanced with vitamins A & E and aloe). $18, tartecosmetics.com

Volume has always been a problem for my fine, straight, and sadly anemic hair. I'm always on the hunt for a new volume booster... Well, a few days ago, I got a bottle of Pureology's new Pure Volume Thickening Mist, which also, btw, contains lemongrass, papaya, and ginseng to moisturize and protect colored hair. Holy cow, 5 spritzes of this left my hair HUGE! I experimented with the amount used (just 2 spritzes on my fingers, then worked into roots) and now I can say that I am officially obsessed. Worth every penny (or, in this case, $21). Find a salon that sells it near you at pureology.com.

A lot of companies have recently launched charitable tie-ins with their products in order to raise money and awareness about certain diseases, conditions, and international concerns. L'oréal Paris, however, has been doing it for the past eleven years. Since 1997, the cosmetics company has helped raise over $14 million dollars for ovarian cancer research and awareness, and in honor of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (September), they are offering a few limited edition items to raise even more funds.

Five dollars from each sale of their Color of Hope Cosmetics Bag (stocked with items from the collection of the same name) and Hope Necklace designed by Phillip Crangi will go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. And--amazingly--both ring in at under thirty bucks. Head to lorealcolorofhope.com or call 1-888-270-7743 for more info!

Um, so the other night I went out to a delicious meal of Korean food with my friends Stella and Jane. Now, Korean food is among my absolute favorite. But I have to say... It can leave you a little odoriferous. I, sadly, smelled like kimchee (pickled cabbage) and bbq for the rest of the night! Now, if only I had had some Pure & Petal hair fragrances with me! My personal favorite is the Heavenly Clean. Check them out at purepetal.com!

Beauty junkies that swear by Jurlique are always true die-hards. In fact, I've had people swear to me that once you go Jurlique, you never go back, or something like that. Personally, I've never gone too far with them--too many products on my desk, too little time--but I've just encountered the power of their Biodynamic Beauty Line, and color me impressemundo. What's so damn special about it anyway...

Here's the deal: They've got this crazy certified, sustainable organic farm somewhere in South Australia where they ripen pretty herbs and flowers in order to blend them into delicious beauty products. Sounds kinda magical, right? (BTW: The line does not contain parabens, mineral oils, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, synthetic emulsifiers, artificial colors or fragrances, thanks.) What they do contain are extracts of rose gallica, licorice root, black elder, chamomile, pansy and violet (among others) meant to decrease redness and fade discolorations to brighten skin.

For all of those sensitive skin types who are prone to redness, check out the review of Clinique's Redness Solutions line.

Right now I'm obsessing over the Serum, which is lightweight and fresh with almost no scent (too bad, I wouldn't mind in this case), and gives your skin this lovely glowing, polished finish. Or maybe that high beam stems from the satisfaction of knowing you're wearing all these fabulous, ethically harvested ingredients on your face. Anyway, all you Jurlique freaks out there, now I get it. I really do.

Check out another cult-favorite.

Beauty comes in all different forms, and that goes for eye shapes as well. Depending on the shape of your eyes, you can use eye shadow to play up your features in different ways.

With your eyes open, gaze at those beautiful peepers. Do you see the eyelid or not? Take a look at the picture to the right. Notice that the eyes on the top row have little or no lid, while the ladies on the bottom section do have visible lids. If you fall into the first category, we'll call you a contour. If you fall into the latter, you are a hooded beauty. To check out my instructions for an easy way to play up your eyes based on this principle, read more.

• You'll need two eye shadows. To make it simple, choose shades in the same color family, with one being two or three shades lighter for contrast. For tips on color selection based on your eye color, check out my Eyeshadow 101 series or pick neutral shades for a more natural look.
• Lightly line upper and lower lashes with a pencil, lining top lashes from outer corner to about two-thirds of the way in, and lower lashes slightly about mid-way. Choose any color you'd like; to keep it simple, I recommend shades of black, brown, or gray, depending on shadow choice.
• Apply the lighter eye shadow from the lashline to brow.
• For contours: Apply the darker eyeshadow in the crease area (right around where the the upper part of your eyelid meets the lower part of your brow bone). This will create dimension and enhance the depth of your natural crease. For hooded: Apply the darker shadow from the lashline to just slightly past the upper area or your eyelid. Blend well where the light and dark colors meet. This will create a smoky effect and give the illusion of depth as well.
• If you'd like, add an additional highlighting shade around the upper brow bone and inner corner of the eyes for an overall lightening effect. Blend out any harsh lines from the shadows and/or liner, and that's it — you're good to go!

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As you may know, I'm constantly doing research to bring you the latest beauty, hair, and makeup news. I type in "hair" on Google, and what do I get? Posh's new hair, hair-loss treatments, and Hair (the movie). You get the point. I type in "lipstick" and I get the fairly standard Lipstick Jungle, Clinique makeup, and the delightfully odd phrase: lipstick on a pig!?

That particular phrase has popped up practically every time I've done a "lipstick" search, long before the latest political debacle surfaced. Just what does this bizarre statement mean? When it comes to politics, "lipstick on a pig" has nothing to do with cosmetics or stout-nosed, squiggly-tailed animals, for that matter. The phrase describes trying to superficially dress up an unattractive situation — so if you put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig. I tend to think piggies are cute, but now you know. Now back to all things beauty.

Whether you're a makeup minimalist or a smoky-eye devotee, these quick and easy looks give you pretty, polished results with just a few products.

Sheer Genius
The bare necessities for this "no makeup" look? Rosy-pink blush and lip balm. For a dewy glow, makeup artist Maxine Leonard dabbed Jo Malone Vitamin E lip balm on cheekbones, inner eye corners--and lips, of course. Then she carefully filled out the brows and brushed them up. "With a fresh, natural look, it's important to have groomed brows. They frame the face and add definition," she says.
VIDEO: How To Get An Even Skin Tone

Gold Rush
For a fast smoky eye, Leonard dotted black pencil between the lashes and lined the lower inner rims. Then she blended the liner with a slick black gloss for extra sex appeal. As a final touch, she mixed a dab of lip balm with gold shadow and gilded the inner eye corners. "Highlighting the eyes opens up the face," she says.
VIDEO: How To Make Your Eyes Stand Out


Pinkberry
"Fuchsia lipstick is more fun and playful than the classic red," according to Leonard, who first lined the model's lips with MAC Lip Pencil in Magenta to prevent color bleeding. "It's a versatile shade that suits girls with fair or dark hair." To balance the bold look, she suggests a clean swipe of lengthening - not thickening - mascara. "With a bright lip, you don't want heavy black lashes."
VIDEO: Celebrity Makeup Tips

Autumn is upon us, and that means end-of-Summer sales. Taking 50% off of a selection of Tarte's lip gloss kits sounds like a great deal to me. Now until September 21 (the final day of Summer) you can get your lip shine on for just $15 a pop. Here's what is included in the sale:

Tarte's set of three dual-ended lip glosses come packaged with a denim sunglass case. You've got to love the clever title — Sunglosses. Included are beach-y character themed names like: Gidget & Moondoggie (pale pink & shimmery sand), Frankie & Annette (coral pink & watermelon), and Zack & Kelly (peachy pink & cotton candy).

You could also try Lips Ahoy, which comes with a nifty nautical bag and four dual-ended glosses in these colors: Cherry & Dallas (gold-tinged coral & shimmery pale pink), Annie & Sam (shimmery pastel pink & gold-tinged apricot), Allie & Noah (shimmery thistle & sheer lilac pink), and Angela & Jordan (sheer peach & gold-tinged mauve).

I'm partial to Allie & Noah, if only because it makes me think of Ryan Gosling. Silly, maybe. Thrifty, absolutely.

Makeup artists rely on their own little secrets to create smooth, long lasting applications. Well, now you can be "in the know" with Sephora's whole new line of products that will help your cosmetics glide on with ease. If you are chosen as the lucky winner of these must haves, you can channel your own inner makeup artist — all thanks to our friends at Sephora.

Each day this week we're giving away products from Sephora's Tricks of the Trade collection. These latest additions will ensure that your makeup applications will be smooth and long-lasting. It's just like having the professionals at your fingertips. Yes!

The set includes:

• Anti Shine Primer — Preps your skin to help foundation last, all while controlling shine.
• Setting Mist — Creates an invisible shield, so that makeup stays put.
• Radiance Mist — Gives your skin a vitamin boost and provides a soft, satiny finish.
• Wrinkle Filler — Evens out skin tone, filling in those pesky fine lines and wrinkles.

To enter, just take the quiz by 5 p.m. PDT today, and one winner will be selected at random. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just on taking the quiz after you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member to enter. So if you're not already one, register for an account. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored. Prizes can be shipped to US destinations only. Remember: You must be logged in to TeamSugar for your vote to count. For the complete rules, click here. Good luck!

Diane Kruger's style never disappoints. She's like the girl you admire from afar and want to befriend because she's just that cool. At yesterday's Tommy Hilfiger show, Kruger sported a casually trendy side-swept ponytail with a twist — literally. While we've seen versions of this look just about everywhere lately, her shorter style gives it an effortlessly chic (and sassy) look. For a how-to on achieving this fashionably laid-back style, check out my instructions below:

• Blow-dry hair and apply a light/medium hold shine gel like Aveda Brilliant Retexturing Gel ($6 to $16) when your hair is about 80 percent dry. Continue drying using a brush to create texture.
• Part your hair to one side (left or right — you choose). Next separate your fringe area. Do this by taking a chunk of hair from the parted side that has more hair, starting at your hairline, and going about two to three inches (right around your ear area). The hair you are gathering now is the hair that will be twisted later, so make sure you have a decent amount. Repeat this step on the lighter side of the part.
• Pull remaining hair back into a low-slung ponytail on the opposite side of your part. So, if you parted your hair on the left side, sling the ponytail back to the right.

For the rest of the instructions, read more.

• Now we twist. Take one fringe section at a time (leaving a few pieces out to frame your face) and lightly roll back into your ponytail. Affix the rolls to your existing ponytail with an elastic band or bobby pins in a color that matches your hair such as Scunci Bobby-Pins ($1.90 to $2.10) in blonde, brown/black, or auburn. Pin any loose pieces on into the twist, if needed.
• Finishing touches: Use your fingers to soften any hard edges. Finish off with a light/medium hold hair spray.

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TRUE OR FALSE?


FALSE! Oil and bactreia, not outside dirt, cause acnce; even if you wash each day, you can still get zits. They key is the right regimen.

TRUE! Stress causes hormone levels to change, which makes oil glands go into overdrive. Too much oil, and pores fet clogged.

TRUE! WAshing hard doesn't make skin extra clean - it just strips away moisture. That makes skin irritated and more likely to break out.

FALSE! Makeup itself doesn't cause zits, but some products can clog pores or trigger allergic reactions Pick oil-free formulas; wash it all off before bed!

Taking care of your face is one of a good habit for you. Makes more attractive.

1. Physician's Formula Blemish Rx, Healing Concealer, $9, contains soothing botanicals, which let you both hide and heal.

2. Reach for a fine precise concealer application. Try e.l.f. Concealer Brush, $1.

3. This lightweight powder lasts all day without creating a cake-y look: Youthblood Mineral Cosmetics Mineral Rice Setting Powder, $22.

Perfect your face with this no-fail concealing trick from Alison Raffaeile founder and creative director of Alison Raffaele Cosmetics, in New York City.

APPLY AN OIL-FREE MOISTURIZER to soften skin - it may be extra-dry if you are using an acne treatment. For serious flaking, gently exfoliate with a warm, wet washcloth over the breakout, then moisturize. Let skin dry and apply foundation (also sans oil) as usual, including over the inflamed area.

PICK A CONCEALER that's one shade darker than your foundation to offset the redness of the blemish - you want it to appear more brown than pink. Using a small brush, dot concealer on top of the spot, then tap gently with a moist makeup sponge to help blend it seamlessly into skin.

DIP A POWDER PUFF (velvet prefferred) in loose, colorless setting powder, then apply it right over the area to help keep concealer in place for hours. Remove any excess powder by swirling a clean makeup brush all over your face. Now you're covered.

Did you guys know that September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month? A gold star goes to PureOlogy (makers of my all time favorite colored hair shampoo, btw) for partnering with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC). During September and October, sales from PureOlogy's Volume Booster kit (which includes shampoo, conditioner, a brush, and an insert about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer) will benefit NOCC (up to $25K!).

$52, pureology.com.

Got this from YouTube...a make-up tutorial. The girl in the video is so beautiful that I really admire her looks. I'm not a professional in making my make-up, but I can make some basics...I always look at this kind of tutorial..really helps me to invent more.
Try to look at it.

What with cooking and cleaning like crazy, your hands break Four ideas for a little extra TLC:

1. Soak hands in a mini bubble bath in whiten and brithen your nails. Nailtini Club Soda Fizz, $16.50.

2. Use an olive-oil-infused cream for sticky smooth skin. Olivella Hand Cream, $10.

3. Just a dab will nourish fingertips when there is no time for a mani. Sally Hansen Cuticle Balm, $7.

4. It's dress-up time for for your nails with these dark and metallic hues: O.P.I. in Stars in My Eyes, $7.50; Essie

You makeup won't be worth a hoot if if you don't use the right brushes - or technique - to technique - to apply it. Try these tips from Toronto makeup artist 0Dia Foley to max out your product's potential.

BRUSH TO TRY FYI
1. IsaDora Kabuki For an even powder application, run the brush in downward
Brush, $14 (not side-to-side) strokes extending just below your jawline.

2. Red Earth Fingers often absorb concealer before it reaches your face.
Concealer Brush, $14 Synthetic-bristled brushes won't soak up liquid formulas.

3. Redpoint Dot foundation only where needed, starting at your T-zone.
Foundation Brush, $32 Work in section : Apply and blend immediately.

4. Mark Blush + Allover bronzer can look like a fake tan. Keep it natural with
Bronzer Brush, $6 a light dusting over your nose, cheeks and jawline.

5. Sonia Kashul Angeled Hold the flat side just below your temple and work inward.
Contour Brush, $9.99 It's easier to lighten color there than directly on the cheek.

Use these steps to add a deep part to your hair!

Get the look:
1. Apply a smoothing balm to towel-dried hair. Comb a quarter-size amount from roots to tips to coat your hair.

2. Divide your hair into four-inch sections and stretch them over a round brush to straighten as you blow-dry.

3. Part hair on your left side, then smooth it back into a low ponytail on your right side. Secure it with elastics that match your hair color.

4. Rub a dime-size amount of wax between your palms, then run your hands down your pony and along your hairline to smooth flyaways.

Personalize it for your face shape:

For a round face: To make your face appear longer, add volume at your crown by teasing hair before you part it.

For a square face: Leave a few layers out of the pony so that they fall around your chin and soften your angular jawline.

For an oval face: Part hair three inches above your ear to keep your face from looking too long.

For a heart-shaped face: Keep cheekbone-length pieces loose to minimize the widest parts of your face.

The best way to apply foundation without looking too made-up or cake
If it’s a “no makeup look” that you crave, opt for tinted moisturizer instead of foundation. It gives you just the right amount of coverage without feeling too heavy or hiding the natural look of your skin. For an added bonus, pick one that contains SPF — it’ll go on smooth and protect your skin from sun damage. (It’s like three products in one!) Try Mark C-Thru-U Beautifying Sheer Tint, $8, meetmark.com. To apply, dab a pea-size amount on a foundation sponge. Starting on the apples of each cheek, blend the moisturizer out along your cheekbones and up toward your hairline in a circular motion. Squeeze out another pea-size amount and swipe it over your T-zone, blending at your chin and the corners of your nose. Add more to problem areas as needed — tinted moisturizer is perfect for layering! To ensure your makeup looks natural at your jawline, remember to match the shade to your neck in order to find the right one for you.

If all this talk of Japan is making you wish you could be there, check out these adorable Japanese-worthy/inspired products...



The first—an ultra-limited illuminating powder and brush set, from Smashbox—is a collaboration with Tokidoki (buy it on sephora.com). How adorable, no?


The second, is mascara from Eyeko. Celebs rave about this product—and it doesn't hurt that it's so cute (check it out on ulta.com).


And lastly, this balm from Sephora Girls (their kiddy line) is just $3! You won't feel guilty if you lose it—not that you would, since it's so sweet...

Dark circles? Yes. Puffiness? Yes. Sigh. I think all you stressed out gals out there can identify... Recently, I've been using Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller (quite a mouthful, I know!) and I have to say that I see a difference with my eyes. They look... sprightlier... somehow (yes, I realize that description is vague, but it's true! My undereye area just looks more alive). Could it be the caffeine and vitamin B in the oil-free formula? Perhaps. It could also be the cool rollerball that feels so refreshing! Definitely worth checking out! $13, walgreens.com