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Faking IT?

If you've been hassling with mascara to get the Twiggy look, you probably realized you aren't doing a very good job. Not even Maybelline Great Lash and a hydraulic curler will get you to the place you need to be to have glamorous, Marilyn Monroe bedroom eyes. False eyelashes are the way to go.

 Strip IT? 

This type of lash comes in a long, narrow strip. You can pick them up at your local drugstore or favorite beauty haunt. Be forewarned however, these can look garish and harsh if applied incorrectly or if you choose a brand that is poorly manufactured. We have a great line of Ardell strip lashes that are just the ticket.

Separate IT?

This type of lash comes in a package of individual lashes. Each cluster piece is individually applied. This takes a little more time and expertise, but the look is always 'au-natural'. 

Choose IT?

Decide what look you’re seeking. A strip of false eyelashes are excellent for going clubbing or for an evening of glitz. For a more subtle look apply a few lashes to the outside corners of your eyes. Can't decide which is right for you? False lashes are inexpensive enough to purchase a set for your every whim! 

Use IT?

Choose a color that complements the occasion. For evening, stick to black, which adds drama without requiring mascara. You brighten them up with colored mascara in shades of blue of green. In the daytime, go dark brown or light brown for a natural look.

Check their length. Full lashes should follow the natural line of your own lashes. Many false lashes are too long so you might want to trim them a bit.

Begin with clean eyes, no makeup. Hold the lashes in your hand and apply a very thin line of glue or adhesive along the base; let it sit for 1 minute. Only use a minimal amount of glue, you can always add more if needed.

Apply the false lashes above your eyelashes, as close to your lash line as possible, following the natural curve. Adjust the lashes with a tweezers.

If you’re using individual lashes, place them at the outside corners of your upper lashes one or two should be sufficient. Adjust their position with tweezers.

Remember: practice makes perfect. Don`t panic if you can`t get them right first time.  Pretty soon you`ll be able to apply them in your sleep!

Don't sleep in your false lashes. Remove them with eye make-up remover or a bit of petroleum jelly. Never pull the lashes from your lids, as you may pull your own lashes out or rip your skin.  Ouch!

Turn an everyday soak in the tub into a bubbling bath cocktail with a shot of effervescent salt fizz! Full of oils and soothing natural ingredients to soften skin long after you've stepped out of the bath, this is one nightcap you'll want to savor.

Forget those bowl-cut wisps you wore way back when! Today's bangs are downright stylish! Below, some of our favorite options:

 Piece-y or razor-cut bangs

Multi-layered, with the longest strands hitting midway down your forehead.

Good For:  Symmetrical faces and petite features.

Tapered bangs

Extend about an inch above the bride of the nose and angle down the sides of your face.

Good For: Most face shapes and hair types.

Wide bangs

span the width of your face, from temple to temple.

Good For: People who are confident about revealing plenty of profile.

Long bangs

These should dangle right below your eyebrows.

Good For: Long foreheads or noses; this length shortens your features.

Banish bad hair days. Blow-dryers have become irreplaceable tools. When properly used (and not to excess), they shouldn't cause hair any problems; to prevent damage, use the high-heat setting only when your hair is very wet. And be sure your dryer has enough wattage: Anything under 1,200 watts is probably not powerful enough to dry and style your hair quickly and efficiently. Vrooom, let's get started!

How To Do Your Basic Blow Out:

Before blow-drying, blot your hair with a towel to absorb excess moisture (don't rub).

Hold the dryer 8 to 10 inches from your head and use high heat to partially dry your hair (about 60 percent), concentrating on the roots. Be sure to keep the dryer moving at all times so your hair doesn't overheat -- don't aim hot air at a constant position for a prolonged period. Apply gel or mousse at this stage, if you need it. (Use hairspray only after blow-drying so the alcohol doesn't singe your hair.)

With the dryer on medium heat, style your hair with a vent brush until it's about 80 percent dry. 

For the final drying, use a round, half-round or paddle brush to smooth your hair and minimize frizz.

When your hair is completely dry, finish on the cool temperature setting -- cool air helps set the style.

Tools of the Trade:

Diffusers

Diffusers are cone-shaped attachments that fit on the barrel of a dryer to diffuse the airflow, or spread it over a larger area. They're great for curly hair because they dry slowly and softly, keeping the curls in place; use low speed and a low temperature. Diffusers can also give volume and lift to straight hair: Flip your hair down by bending over, then direct the dryer to the crown of your head and the nape of your neck.

Volumizers

Volumizers or finger diffusers are attachments with long "fingers" that lift and separate hair at the roots, adding fullness without unraveling individual curls. This tool is especially good for long, curly hair that tangles easily.

We Love:

Eyes are said to be the window to the soul, but more importantly, they are the first thing most people notice when the look at you.  Make the most of your eyes with these helpful hints!

Begin by applying an eye base. This improves the adherence and appearance of eye makeup.  It's key to maintain long-lasting shadow. 

We Love:  Duwop Day 2 Night Eyelid Primer Duo, $22

Know your products. Eye shadow comes in many formats: powder (pressed or loose), crayon, gloss or cream.  The choice is up to you!  Pressed shadows are a classic favorite.

We Love: Lola Cosmetics Eye Shadow Trio, $18

To obtain a more dramatic look place a dot of a darker shade in the middle of the eyelid and smooth out.

Highlight makeup by using a pastel color on the under-brow. 

Lightly blend the colors with an applicator or fingertips. For ease of application, we suggest a crease brush or cream shadow brush with elongated bristles.

We Love: Antonym Cream Eye Shadow Brush, $13

Define the eye contour with a liner (either cake or pencil), by drawing a fine line close to the lashes to underline the eye. If you prefer, draw the fine line in the interior of the lids for a larger look, or draw a fine line on the upper eyelid. It's much easier to use a cake eyeliner. Just drag the brush across your lid and 'connect the dots'. 

We Love: Blinc Eyeliner, $25

Brush lashes before applying mascara.

 We Love: TIGI Brow and Lash Groomer, $14

Choose a shade of mascara to harmonize with your makeup. Apply two coats to thicken and lengthen lashes.

For a sophisticated touch, apply a more vivid color to the tips of the eyelashes. For example, coordinate Black with violet. 

Choose a color that complements your eyes and enhances their color and form. 

That's just what they are good ol'fashion rubber ducks floating in a bar of soap!  Young and young at heart love these designs.  Be creative here, the possibilities are endless!

photo credit: Rubber Ducks with Sunglasses (license) yellow filter, cropped & added text 

Find out which shades work best with your eye color. Stumped about which makeup colors will bring your eyes into sharp focus? Check our cheat sheet for the best shades for your peepers:

Smell the fresh-ripened raspberry in this soap, combined with ground oatmeal for gentle everyday exfoliation that stimulates new cell growth. Oatmeal is very soothing to the skin!

If you've tried every kind of cover stick, cream, gel, and powder to cover the dark circles under your eyes, but still look like a raccoon. Don't worry, we'll show you how to send those bags packing!

When covering under eye circles, keep three things in mind: color, consistency, and technique.

Too light a concealer will exaggerate the problem, making the area look as if something was covered up and creating the raccoon look you're talking about.

Choose a shade that is no more than one or two shades lighter than your skin color, and always avoid white. For those with darker skin, choose yellow-based concealers (try those from Urban Apothecary), which will counteract the blue in dark circles.

Creamy concealers are the best. Since they won't cake or pull at the delicate eye area. Urban Apothecary's Correct & Reflect stick utilizes properties that reflect light away from the darker areas of the skin while at the same time providing coverage.

An easy to use trick is mixing a bit of face lotion and concealer in the palm of your hand. Gently tap the mixture on the area under the inner eye only, allowing the heat of your finger to blend the concealer into your skin.

The good news is, early research suggests that vitamin K, which has been used to diminish the appearance of bruises, can help to fade undereye circles. Try eating more leafy vegetables, cheese and liver. Vitamin K is also found in asparagus, coffee, bacon and green tea.

Time for some sea-side fun! For smooth, perfectly polished skin, massage over wet skin, paying special attention to dry, rough areas.  Full of oils and soothing natural ingredients to soften skin.

Scrub a dub dub, this soap is too good to share with three men in the tub!  Wisk away dull, dry skin. This delightful soap smells like fresh lemons, and when the powdered loofah is mixed in, it will make the soap extra-exfoliating. Loofah, a plant that grows much like the cucumber, can be dried, shredded and added to soap. To make the powder, loofah can be cut up into tiny pieces using a pair of sharp scissors, or you can purchase it in powder form.