How to Make Eyes Look Bigger with Makeup

Ever look at those pictures of celebrities before makeup and after? My favorite celebrity is Gwyneth Paltrow and I was thrilled one day to see her without makeup. Her eyes just disappeared. Yet in photos, she has luminous eyes. So what's the secret?

There are actually several. To get huge eyes try these tricks:

Curl Eyelashes

If you don't have naturally long, perfect eyelashes, curling them before applying This is a link mascara will really open up your eyes. You can actually curl lashes AFTER mascara is applied, as long as your mascara is dried (a good tip to know if you want to curl your lashes later in the day without removing your mascara). I usually blast the eyelash curler for 3 seconds with a hair dryer for extra staying power. Just test the metal to ensure it's not too hot before you clamp down on your upper lash.

What to Do With the Bottom Lashes?

Many makeup experts avoid mascara on the lower lashes because they believe it actually closes up the eyes. This is true for some women, but for others, mascara and eyeliner on the lower lashes can make a dramatic difference. Try it out for yourself and see if you like it.

To apply mascara on lower lashes, hold the brush vertically, then sweep it back and forth. If you wear eyeliner on the lower lashes, try a pencil eyeliner, which tends to be softer. Then smudge the line with your finger so it looks more natural than a straight line.

See my lists of the best mascaras and eyeliners.

Don't Be Afraid of False Eyelashes

Individual false lashes are exotic, gorgeous and can look natural if applied correctly. Large cities offer "lash bars" in the hottest department stores. (Henri Bendel, Bergdorfs and more, for example) but I expect the counters at most department stores will have experts in false lashes. Ask at yours.

Don't want to go to department store? Drugstores carry false eyelashes. If they're too long, you can trim them with scissors.

Why White Shadow is the Makeup Artist's Secret

When I go out for the evening, I always put a bit of light eyeshadow right at the inside ridge of my eye, where the upper lid meets the bottom lid, near the tear duct. It's amazing how that bit of white brightens my eyes and makes them look whiter. This is a old beauty secret of makeup artists and if you look closely at photos of celebrities on red carpets you can see that tell-tale white in the inside corner of their eyes.

For a doe-eyed, seductive look, makeup artist Paul Starr suggests in Harper's Bazaar that you try lining your lower lids with a creamy white eye pencil.

Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclat: Another Makeup Artist Secret

A few years ago when everyone was going ga-ga for Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclat calling it the "best concealer ever," I bought it thinking I'd use it to conceal any spots on my face.

I hated it. It hardly concealed anything and I couldn't see what the big deal was. I went back to the store to return it when the women at the counter told me it's actually supposed to be used as a highlighter, not a concealer. She did me up and I was blown away by how awake I looked. It's now a beauty staple in my arsenal and I use it every time I go out.

To use: Dot along the browbone just below the brow and blend in. You can also dot along the bottom of eye and even above the browbone. One trick with Touche Eclat is to fill in the shadows that naturally occur when you tuck your chin and look into the mirror. Tuck your chin, look into the mirror and swipe a line of Touch Eclat where the shadows lie. Blend the lines with a tip of the finger.

Keep Your Brows Manicured

You'd be amazed at how manicured brows can transform your face. I've seen it happen with so many women. They think their brows are fine even though they never get them tweezed or waxed. Perhaps they're afraid of over-tweezing or they are unsure of what shape is right for their eyes. They don't realize how much better they could look until I convince them to get their brows done. Wow. It's perhaps my single most important advice to you: Get thee to a professional for waxing, tweezing or threading and then keep it up with touch-ups with your own tweezers by following the "map" they create.

Best of Lush!

It’s no great secret I simply adore Lush Cosmetics. I get asked a lot what are my favorite Lush products and it’s a little difficult to just randomly compile a list and comment about it. This post is actually made up of 27 Lush Products I think you should try and buy!

Jump ahead for it!

• Lush Washday Greens

Best shampoo every for de-greasing and clarifying hair. Has an irresistible minty green scent with a thin runny formula that lathers up nicely and gets hair in tiptop shape!

• Lush Vanishing Cream 

Ideal moisturizer for oily skin types or those seeking a lighter moisturizer for Summer wear. Mattifies skin with a cool lavender herbal scent. Oily foreheads be gone!

• Lush Ultra Bland 

Buttery smooth cleanser that emulsifies and breaks down makeup. Does run a tad greasy and may be overkill for those who have pores that easily clog up but dry skin types will adore it!

• Lush Godmother Soap 

Missing Lush Snow Fairy? This will get you through the year until Christmas when Snow Fairy Shower Gel reappears!

• Lush Comforter Bubble Bar

One of my very favorite bubble bars because of it’s huge size and gorgeous scent! To me it smells like a big old new eraser, like the ones you got when heading back to school! It’s quite big so you can easily get two baths from one bar.

• Lush Sexypeel Soap

The sexiest lemon scent you’ll ever smell! Sweet, tart lemons, ’nuff said!

• Lush Sexbomb Bath Bomb

One of my favorite bath bombs because of the sweet little “surprise” after the bomb melts away (I won’t ruin it for you and say what it is). Sports a soft jasmine scent that’s truly girlish and lovely!

Lush Retread Conditioner 

Lush’s thickest, creamiest conditioner! Gets locks tangle-free and soft sans silicons!

• Lush Antiphilitron Shampoo 

You may have a hard time saying the name but you’ll love the effects this shampoo has on your hair. Clarifies and cuts through oily, greasy hair with the power of lemon!

• Lush Back for Breakfast Shower Gel

One of Lush’s best shower gels in my opinion! The sweet, tart scent of lemons to wake you up in the AM!

• Lush Baby Face

Lush Ultrabland in solid form this be! A massage bar for your face! Dry skin users will rejoice and adore the soothing, softness that comes along with using this. However, be aware for those who’s pores easily clog up!

• Lush King of Mods Hair Gel 

One of my fav ways to keep my wavy, curl hair in order!

• Lush Ice Blue Shampoo 

The cooling scent of mint to clarify hair and get it deep, down clean!

• Lush I Love Juicy Shampoo

100′s of fruits squeezed into a single bottle of nourishing shampoo for your hair!

• Lush Gorgeous Moisturizer

One of Lush’s most expensive moisturizer and also one of it’s best. A skin miracle I deem it!

• Lush Ginger Fragrance

My favorite scent of all time, mind you not for everyone, if you enjoy unique, sensual blends!

• Lush Fresh Fharmacy

Got spots? This will clear up your face with a single use! I keep this stashed around for the occasional crop up of a pimple or several, it honestly works wonders! Best part about it, is you can use daily as a preventive measure for future outbreaks but be careful as it does dry skin out without proper moisturizer after use!

• Lush Dr Peppermint Shampoo Bar

Although he’s for dandruff I enjoy using the good doctor because of his minty fresh scent!

• Lush Dark Angels Cleanser

Ideal for spotty, oil skin but easily enjoyed by all! It’s a MAC’s Volcanic Ash dupe, so if you’ve used yours all up grab some of this and you’re golden!

• Lush Curly Wurly Shampoo 

For those of us with frizzy, flyaway wavy hair and curls! Weights and smooths curls down for beautiful hair instead of a frizzy mess!

• Lush Candy Fluff Powder

A flirty, girlish scent for dusting onto your body!

• Lush Buffy Bar

Perfect for scrubbing away dry skin on legs, knees, elbows, heels, feet…anyway you’re sporting dry, rough skin!

• Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub 

A beautiful way to get lips back into shape when they are dry or chapped!

• Lush Breath of Fresh Air Toner

My favorite toner from Lush! Hydrates and preps for moisturizer in a snap!

• Lush Big Shampoo 

Perfect clarifying treatment for those who are sporting serious buildup or ideal for those with thinner hair that are in need of some serious volume!

• Lush Angels on Bare Skin Cleanser 

A great way to keep skin glowing! I use it after my normal cleanser to get my skin squeaky clean and keep it spot free!

• Lush American Cream Conditioner

A silicon-free conditioner that will keep hair free from tangles sans build up!

Are you a Lush fan?

What are your fav products?

Do share ‘em!

Get more info about Lush Cosmetics by visiting www.lush.com

Tips for Red Heads

EYE MAKEUP

As far as eye shadow is concerned, it is true that the complexion of a redhead blends itself well to neutral tones, such as taupe. However, neutral need not be boring. Try chestnut, camel, gold, beige, honey, terra cotta, russet and raisin. Experiment with different shades of browns and peaches, blending and combining shades for a smoky or defined eye look.

Remember, every redhead is unique. Red hair comes in a wide range of shades, from strawberry blonde to deep auburn. So, I encourage you not to listen to the “experts” who say redheads cannot wear color. Experiment with color and step outside the ordinary. Opt for something dramatic but different, such as plums or emeralds. Use a lighter color on the brow bone to open up the eyes. In general, stay away from blues and pinks.

Redheads typically have very light eyebrows and eyelashes, making eyeliner a must to add definition to the eyes. Choose a light or dark brown or brownish-black eyeliner pencil and apply it with a light hand to make your eyes stand out more. Select a mascara which adds a lot of definition to fine or skimpy lashes, something that lengthens, thickens and fortifies. Again, browns are favored over blacks, which can wash out a redhead’s fair complexion and look too harsh. Finally, always wear sunglasses when outdoors to protect the fair and delicate skin around your eyes from wrinkling.

LIPSTICK AND BLUSH

In general, pinks and reds may not make the most of your hair and skin tone. For everyday, choose lipsticks and blushes from more neutral, natural color palettes, such as peaches. But again, experiment with color and find what works best for you. Blue-based reds, such as brick, or brown-based reds, such as toast, are exceptions to the rule. Brick or toast lipsticks and blushes add a great deal of warmth to the redheaded complexion and bring out the natural depth of a redhead’s skin tone. Try golden corals and yellow- or gold-based reds, apricots and tawny peaches. But don’t be afraid to try something different. For example, deep lavender lipstick can be very striking on a redhead.

HAIR

If you are fortunate enough to have naturally red hair, by all means embrace it. This is no time to be a shrinking violet. Experiment with a sassy, short style a la Cynthia Nixon or Molly Ringwald, a long, sleek, straight style like Julianne Moore’s or Lindsay Lohan’s, or a wild mop of curls, such as both Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts have boasted on many occasions. The best way to show off your beauty is to play up your best features. In your case, based in part on its rarity and mystique, your hair is one of your greatest assets. Show it off. Try a henna shampoo to bring out the natural red highlights in your hair or to boost fading natural red color. Beet juice or cranberry juice will also boost red highlights. To give red hair added shine and also prevent build-up from hair products, add approximately two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the water when you rinse your hair. The really great news? Redheads don’t go gray. Instead, they go from red to a sandy “buff” color then to white.

One final suggestion: Keep in mind that the greatest beauty asset a redhead has is her inner spirit. It’s no myth: Redheads are intelligent, fun-loving, energetic, passionate and fiery. Play up the positive aspects of those traits and allow your inner redhead to shine through.

How to Clean Makeup Brushes

Properly Cleaning Your Cosmetic Brushes Will Make Them Last Longer

Besides letting your brushes last longer (very important if you're going to buy more expensive, smoother brushes), if you know how to clean your make up brushes, you can minimize skin problems such as breakouts from accumulated oils or eye infections from mascara brushes. Hygiene is one reason that experts say never to share your makeup with a friend: you can transmit bacteria on the applicators. Cold sores, acne, rashes and staph germs can move easily from one makeup brush to another, so never borrow someone else's brush or powder puff. In fact, for people who apply makeup using their fingers, it's not even a good idea to wipe your fingers across someone else's blusher or eye shadow, because you're picking up bacteria from their fingers and skin. 

How to Wash Your Make up Brushes Free of Bacteria

You can wash your makeup brushes in warm, soapy water, using an antibacterial soap, shampoo or a hand sanitizer. There are also special products for cleaning your makeup brushes. Lipstick brushes may need extra care because of the extra emollients in lip colors, which can make them sticky and hard to wash. Wash them with a gentle oil removing wash you may already use for your skin, and take your time, working out the lipstick from the brush bristles.

Shape brushes while wet and let them dry to preserve their smoothness. Lay them flat instead of standing them on end, or you will damage either the bristles or handle of the brush. Wash them gently, never scrubbing, or the hairs will start to come out. Follow any cleaning instructions that come with your makeup brushes in case they have special requirements. And if you can't make up your mind to commit to cleaning your brushes, you can always buy disposable sponge brushes and throw them away more frequently. Especially if you suffer from very oily skin or acne, make sure you're always using a clean makeup brush to minimize bacterial problems that may increase your skin trouble.

Dirty Makeup Brushes Carry Bacteria and Will Not Give You a Flawless Look

Whatever you do, don't use the same makeup brushes day in and day out without washing them. Aside from harboring bacteria, makeup pigments bind with the oils from your skin, making brushes sticky and dirty. Makeup colors can change, becoming darker or more orange due to oxidation and to mixing with skin oils or dust, making a mess of your daily makeup routine. Clean your brushes once a week to keep them working properly, and if a brush becomes stained or misshapen, throw it out and get a new one.

Eyeshadows to Match Your Eye Color

Need an eyeshadow shade that looks cool with your eye color? Here's help.

FOR BLUE EYES

1. Tried and True: taupe, gray, violet, purple, deep blue (a darker shade than your eye color makes your eyes really blue), black (mix it with bright blue for a smoky effect)

2. Funky Favorites: silver, turquoise, fuschia (brightens any shade of blue)

GREEN or HAZEL EYES

1. Tried and True: brown, apricot, purple, plum, deep khaki or forest green (because they are in the same greenish family, they brighten green eyes)

2. Funky Favorites: gold, glowing, lime-green, really light green, bright purple (super modern)

BROWN EYES

1. Tried and True: copper, bronze, champagne Uma Thurman (soft pink with a touch of apricot), brown (for a doe-eyed look), beige, and khaki-green (lighter shades add highlight)

2. Funky Favorites: tangerine, royal blue, hot pink, lime-green (the contrast adds punch to brown)

ALL EYES

1. Tried and True (Classic): navy or charcoal base to define and a powder-blue shadow for highlighting (it brightens your brow bone so any eye color pops)

2. Funky Favorites: silver-sparkle shadow makes all eyes look edgy.

How to Choose Which Bathing Suit to Wear

What womens swimsuit fashion is best and most flattering for your body type

Apple shaped body frames have broader shoulders and smaller hips. Two-piece bikinis or tankinis with a solid color top and a patterned bottom will give you a more balance appearance.

Pear shaped body types have larger hips and smaller shoulders with a waist that is larger than the shoulders. One-piece bathing suits with tummy control or other design feature that create the illusion of a waist line will be the most flattering.

Small Bust - To enhance a smaller bust try a halter bikini top that has a seam just under the bust line or a lightly padded or line top. Swim wear with texture can also help detract attention away from your bust line if you feel self-conscious.

Fuller Bottom - Skirted swim suits are back in style and can be found in many different patterns and styles. The skirt flatters a fuller bottomed body type and will give you a more balance look. You may also want to try on a few boy short styles as well. Both of these options offer a little more coverage on the bottom.

Slender, athletic bodies have shoulders, waist and hips that are the similar in width. One-piece or two-piece suits with detailing around the waist will help create a more hourglass shape. Try a wrap style top or a belted bathing suit bottom to create more waist definition.

Hourglass figures have balance shoulders and hips with a smaller waist. If this is you, you're lucky because just about any classic styled bathing suit should flatter your figure.

Buying a swimsuit is about perception

Buying a swimsuit has a lot to do with beauty because it’s more about perceptions than it is actual good looks. The fact is, with the right attitude, nearly any woman’s swim suit will look good to men, provided there’s a woman in it. Other women are much pickier about what suit looks good on what body, and the worst critic of all is that chick in the mirror. I have a few beauty tips about bathing suits and bikinis, which I will pass on to you in the hopes that they will inspire confidence. Some of them are just theoretical for me, and others I use whenever I shop for a suit. Use what works for you. 

How much are you willing to spend for designer swimwear?

Like good shoes, good bathing suits cost money. You’re paying for design here, and for things like built-in controls or enhancements. Thanks to the fairly recent craze for selling binkini tops and bottoms separately, retailers have found they can charge a lot more for a whole suit than they could five or six years ago when bottoms and tops were inseparable. On average, a decent suit will cost you around $60. On the other hand, if you have a great body, it doesn’t matter if your suit is cheap because you don’t have anything to hide. Just make sure you buy something that won’t come apart when it hits the water. 

When to buy a cheap swimsuit.

If you’re only going to wear a bathing suit the three days you go to the beach each year, or for sunning in the back yard, you can go cheaper too. In fact, there’s no reason not to wear a pair of shorts and a bathing suit top or even a camisole or tank top. It’s crazy to spend a lot of money for a suit you aren’t going to wear. 

One piece or two piece bathing suit? Who will be looking or who do you want looking?

A shy friend of mine went to Mexico, and because she was very modest and didn’t feel very pretty, she wore a pair of men’s trunks and a bikini top in the pool at the hotel. A Mexican fellow who frequented the pool told her that if she wanted to blend in, she’d better drop the trunks and wear bikini bottoms. She did, and they went dancing several times after that. She came home with a golden tan and a happy expression.

Comfort is important, and depending on the beach or pool scene, either no-one will notice you at all, or everyone will be watching everyone else. If it matters to you, or if your boyfriend’s ex is going to be at the party, fork out the big money and look great, even if you only wear that suit that one day.

How much coverage do you want from your beach wear?

Crucial to the question of bathing suits is coverage. Again, the nicer your body, the less coverage you need, unless you’re shy or you’re smart and want to save your skin from sun damage. You can apply sunscreen and sunless tanner and have a beautiful glowing tan without the sun exposure. Just be sure to evenly distrubute and don't over apply the self tanner and end up looking a shade or orange. If you plan to be swimming or playing volleyball or surfing, you may want more coverage because a suit that covers more of you also tends to hang on, where flimsier, actually make that skimpier, things might fall off or out.

With board shorts, boyshorts and hipster bikinis, we can buy suits that fit even in the middle of a plus size day or PMS fat attack. A well-cut one-piece can hide and camoflauge an assortment of figure flaws. Contrary to what some experts will tell you, large floral designs do not minimize a heavy body, and you don’t have to wear black either. Depending on where the chubbiness lies, a smaller-coverage suit may turn out to be more flattering than the high-coverage suit you didn’t want to buy anyway. No one can possibly see all the lumps and bumps as the girl in the bathing suit in the mirror does, so pick the least worst suit you can find, and get out there and play!

For a Clear Complexion...

Keep your skin CLEAN, it's the most important thing you can do for a clear and healthy complexion. Make sure your hands are clean before washing and touching your face to avoid transferring bacteria. 

Gently massage cleanser into your face, leaving on for a few seconds to dissolve impurities, then wipe away with a cotton ball. Finish off with a splash of cool water to wash away excess cleanser and boost circulation, then use soft towel to pat dry.