Next question and other miscellaneous...

So, first of all, a crazy BIG thanks to everyone who has helped to get the word out about this blog and your tremendous show of support. It honestly and truly means the world! Now, on to the fun stuff.

Today's beauty question posed is about concealing under-eye circles. And funny that was brought up because I was going to talk about that in this post anyway (weird...).

Ladies, this is one of those super crappy things that happen to us as we age (gracefully). The skin under your eyes thins and the blood vessels under the skin start to show through - creating under eye circles that make us look older and tired. UGG! I don't know about you but I intend to be fierce until a ripe age so the very first thing I apply in the morning (after washing my face, examining for any possible breakouts, moisturizing - yadda, yadda, yadda) is apply under-eye concealer. In my humble fashionista opinion, there is nothing and I mean NOTHING (expect clean, white teeth) that will help you look more fresh, more fabulous than erasing those circles!!

This is the brand I use - Erase Paste by Benefit:


I like it because it brightens as well as conceals. I apply it with a brush designed for its application:

Applying with a brush gives a smooth and light application which prevents you from looking too "made-up". I also sort of tap under my eye with my finger to set the concealer. If you have a good powder you like, lightly apply that over you whole eye (I said lightly) and this will give it super staying power.

Another product that received rave review from others but I've never personally tried is this Lancome waterproof concealer. If anyone out there has tried it, give me your thoughts. I might have to try this next.


Before I go, I just have to give you my 2 cents on clean, white teeth. I can't emphasize enough how much of a difference the appearance of your teeth make in your interactions with people. Brush twice daily, floss, get them cleaned 2x a year and for the love of God, if you have yellowing or stained teeth - go to the store and buy some Crest's Whitestrips already! Honest to goodness, you will be amazed at how much differently people will perceive you. I wouldn't lie. Okay, no more sermons. :)

Keep the feedback coming! Peace out.

My first question...

Q: So the first question I have been asked is, "How do I apply dark eyeshadow under my eyes without it smudging all down my face?"

A: It's all about the brush! Well almost all about the brush. First, you want to make sure that your under eye is clean of eye cream, under-eye concealer, anything else that's greasy. The best thing to do is use a Q-tip and wipe the whole rim of your eye with it before you apply any eye make-up. The take your good quality brush and coat it well in the eye shadow of choice, tap it a couple of times to remove excess shadow, and apply. It should last you for 4 - 6 hours.

Important reminder: it has been my experience that almost all make-up wears off in the course of a day. You can buy the fanciest, most expensive make-up and it will still be a little worn after an 8 or 9 hour work day. If you want your "look" to last longer than that, I got one word for you - reapply, baby, reapply.

The Brush: for this type of application, I personally like one a little smaller and thinner but not the fine point of an eyeliner brush. I found one on Sephora that I liked. (LOVE SEPHORA!) Check out the picture. I would use the nubby end.



One more comment on dark shadow under the eye - that's technique and a "look" that is best left to a night time event. If you show up at the office or your dentist appointment with the smoky eye, folks are going to think 1. you've been out all night long or 2. you are a bartender at Koots (no offense to bartenders or Koots!) My point is daytime, keep the eyeshadow on the neutral side. And apply a darker color in your office bathroom at 5:15 pm for drinks! ;)

Ciao for now - let me know what your questions, comments, thoughts are on my new blog and most definitely send me your fashion/make-up/hair/accessory/shoe questions!

Oh, PS, speaking of shoes - check out these uber cute Naughty Monkey shoes I just got on Zappos.com. OMG, I love them. Have a good one!