protect yourself

so working at a company that is the “leading expertise in beauty” i see many things during the day.  i see ladies come in all the time with their dirty fingers rubbing in shadows and blushes, people with growths on their lips slathering on lip gloss with the wand that comes in the tube as well as applying lipstick directly from the tube without consideration and ladies trying on a myriad of mascaras ,again, with the wand that comes in the tube.  with that said, cleanliness and sanitization is major a concern.  i just want to share with you a few tips on how to protect yourself and others when you visit stores that have an open sell environment…

mascara:  use the disposable mascara wands that have been provided (use a different wand for each eye.  double dipping is a no no)

lip gloss:  if you are trying on stick gloss (you know the ones that you screw off the top and the wand is attached) use the disposable lip wands that are provided and again no double dipping).  if you are trying on a lip color that comes in a pot, first wipe off the top layer of uncertainty with tissue then take a lip wand to dip into the pot and apply the color.  if you using a lip gloss that comes in a tube, squeeze out a little of the product onto a tissue, then spray some alcohol on the tip of the tube and rewipe the tip, throw the tissue away and then use a disposable lip wand to apply the color.

lip sticks:  take a tissue to wipe off the layer of uncertainty then alcohol the lipstick and then wipe again

eye shadows:  use a tissue to wipe off the layer of uncertainty then take a disposable eye shadow applicator to apply your eyeshadow. and again do not double dip.

also when you go into these stores for makeovers, the artist should be sanitizing their hands, using brush cleaner for their brushes before they touch the product and your face, wiping off layers of uncertainty, wiping off the mouths of foundation bottles with alcohol so on and so forth.  and (gasp) if they ever blow on their brushes, product or you, run for the nearest exit because that is so gross!!!!!

i hope this tidbit of information helps to raise your level of awareness about issues of cleanliness.

All In One

If you’re anything like me, you like getting multiple uses out of one product…like a body wash that can be used as shampoo or a planter and serving tray that can be used together as a small side table (hmm that’s two items but you get the point).  It is no different for Vaseline, an inexpensive product that I have come to love over the years for its multiplicity of uses.  What’s even better is the fact that I dont have to travel the world over to get this product. I dont have to order it online or have a consultant to get my product.  And I dont have to spend more than $4 to purchase it. I can go to any drug or grocery store and purchase it the same day for cheap!   Here are some of my favorite beauty uses for vaseline…

A wonderful moisturizer for your face, especially for night and for cold weather season.  Helps diminish fine lines and wrinkles.

An excellent makeup (eye) remover.

Can be used in lieu of lipgloss (my absolute favorite).  It delivers high impact shine and has great conditioning/moisturizing benefits.  Use with a lip brush if using it with other lipcolor. 

Use it with your favorite eyeshadow to create a high impact, glossy affect.

It is also an excellent moisturizer for hands/feet/cuticles.  For your feet, apply when damp, slather on a generous amount paying close attention to cuticles and put on some socks.  You will have the softest feet ever.

Simple yet so profound.   

Brow Check

This one is for all you DIYers out there.

I have always been the type of person that never wanted to depend on anyone for anything – not even my own beauty needs and maintenance.  I learned how to cut my own hair and even do my own pedicures.  I have also learned how to do my own eyebrows.  One of the greatest inventions ever is Ardell Brow Shapers (cold wax strips).  They can be found at any drugstore (I love CVS) and they only cost around $4.99.  You get 21 pre-cut strips (for above and below the brow) that are quick, safe and easy to use.  Great for in between visits to your brow stylist or even better if you’ve given them a pink slip.  All you have to do is figure out the direction of hair growth (these strips are perfect for thick or thin eyebrows), cleanse the area, select a strip, carefully apply, use one hand to pull skin taut and with the other hand gently but firmly peel strip in opposite direction of hair growth.  Fill in your brows with a brown pencil or brow powder (if necessary) and there you have it – beautiful eyebrows.