Showing posts with label Fabulous Friday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fabulous Friday. Show all posts

Friday, May 8, 2015

Fabulous Tip of the Day: Natural Looking Blush

Today's Fab Tip:

Blush can be difficult to do sometimes. A little too much, and you can start to look like a clown or like you're really incredibly embarrassed. Using two shades for blush can make it look much more natural.

"Mimic a natural flush. Swirl peach blush on cheekbones, then add pink to the apples. The diffused combo is so sweet, says celeb makeup artist Kristofer Buckle."
--Taken from People Style Watch magazine, May 2015, page 151.

This is great paired with neutral eyes and lips for a no-makeup look.

XOXO
Gossip Ghoul

Friday, March 20, 2015

Fabulous Tip Of The Day: DIY Condition Your Brows

Today's Fab Tip:

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few years, you must have noticed that bold, full, Cara Delevingne-esque eyebrows are in right now. After years of overplucking, it can take a bit of time for brows to grow in enough to to look full. Brow hairs are just like any other hair and need conditioner.

"If you're trying to grow out your brows, mix castor and coconut oils to apply before bed. They contain proteins and vitamins that nourish hair follicles and promote growth."
-- eyebrow specialist Maral Balian in Starmagazine March 16, 2015, p. 55.

Apply this serum to your brows at night, and then fill in your brows with a pencil or powder to give them a naturally fuller look by day, and you'll have fabulous brows in no time.

XOXO
Gossip Ghoul

Friday, September 27, 2013

Fabulous Tip of the Day: Bobby Pins Matched To Your Hair

Today's Fab Tip:

"[H]old back loose stands in a chic way with a pin that complements your hair color!"
-- Taken from People Style Watch magazine, October 2013, page 204.

This is a great way of making a loose, messy bun look just that much more fabulous, and it keeps your hair out of your face. Using brightly colored bobby pins is fun, but matching the pins to your hair color keeps your hairstyle more sophisticated.

XOXO
Gossip Ghoul.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Product Spotlight: The Shiseido Foundation Brush

It can be overwhelming how many different kinds of makeup brushes there are with myriad shapes and sizes for every type of product and technique, and certain brushes work better than others. When it comes to liquid foundation, there is a debate about whether brushes are as or more effective at application than using one's fingers or sponges. For me, I rely on brushes. Well, one brush in particular: The Shiseido Foundation Brush.

Picture from Shiseido.com

I am in love with this critically acclaimed brush. It is the most amazing brush I have ever used. Its size is very compact so that it fits well in one's hand and is convenient for travel. The head of the brush is tiny and in the shape of a pencil eraser, and it has a ton of tightly packed bristles at a slightly downward angle. This makes it very effective at blending both through tiny stippling motions and longer strokes, and it blends incredibly well. It's great for layering, whether I want a very sheer application, or if I want to build up more coverage. I even use it to blend concealer and highlighter seamlessly, and sometimes I even apply BB cream with it. I depend on it so much!

It is $30, but it is a Shiseido product. Shiseido is a high-end company well known for its expensive skincare lines. Nonetheless, I truly feel The Shiseido Foundation Brush is worth every penny. It's a good investment, since it will last a long time. I whole-heartedly recommend it.

Do you have a favorite foundation brush? Let me know in the comments.

XOXO
Gossip Ghoul.

Friday, August 9, 2013

Masked

I might not have the best complexion in the world, but I do try to keep my skin as healthy as I can with a daily regimen of exfoliators, salicylic acid in cleansers, toners, gels, and creams, retinol, antioxidants, and moisturizers. I have very oily and acne-prone skin, so my skincare routine is a balance of acne treatment, oil absorption, and moisturizing to keep my skin hydrated so that it won't produce even more oil. About three times a week, I do a face mask.

If you've never tried a face mask, I highly recommend it. It's a great way to pamper your skin. There is a large range of face masks from affordable to luxurious for ever type of skin need. I rely on a lot of clay masks and avocado masks for my super slick oily skin, but there are moisturizing varieties for dry skin, like Freeman Beauty's Chocolate Strawberry Mask, which smells so delicious, btw. There are many with antioxidants to combat free radicals, some to brighten dark spots and even skin tones, and even some with anti-aging properties. People with combination skin can apply mud masks only on shiny areas like the t-zone, and there are delicate options for sensitive skin.

Picture from Sephora.com

There are three main types of masks: peel-off, sheet, and rinse-off. Peel masks, like Freeman Beauty's Cucumber Peel, feel like a goopy gel when applied but then dry and are peeled off like a snake shedding its skin to remove impurities and deep clean pores. Think of it as an all-over and much less painful version of Biore pore strips. Sheet masks are like a wet cloth or paper that you put on your face with hole for your eyes, nostrils, and mouth, a literal mask, and all of its goodies soak into your skin. These are the easiest to remove. The third kind is the broadest; these are the masks you paint, with either a brush or your fingers, onto your skin and rinse off, usually with a wet wash-cloth, once they've dried, and these can be made of mud, clay, olive oil, honey, avocado, mashed fruit, yogurt, et cetera. Rinse-off masks are perfect to do during a relaxing bath or unwinding before bedtime.

Picture from FreemanBeauty.com

I honestly have eight different bottles and tubes of face masks that I switch between. Freeman Beauty is my go-to brand, but it's always fun to try new ones. Yes to Cucumbers, Montagne Jeunesse, and several other brands sell single use packets of masks that are perfect for trying out, and of course, there are dozens upon dozens of DIY recipes involving all natural ingredients.

Picture from MontagneJeunesse.com

Just a few notes: make sure you wash and dry your face before applying the mask. The benefits won't really be able to reach your skin if they're blocked by sweat, oil, dirt, makeup, and such, and most masks won't stick to wet skin. Secondly, I prefer to use toner afterward to make sure I removed all traces of the masks and to restore my skin's pH, so I recommend this step. Finally, be sure to moisturize. Healthy skin is always well hydrated, so use your favorite moisturizer or a couple drops of argan oil.

This is a great way to get a spa experience in your own home. You can even place slices of cucumbers over your eyes and take a nap all girls' night cliche style. Try experimenting with different masks, and share your favorites with me in the comments. Enjoy!

XOXO
Gossip Ghoul.