As reports begin surfacing nationwide concerning toxic skin reactions to a popular line of sexy lingerie, women need to be on the lookout for symptoms that could be more than just annoying. Here's what you need to know. -- by Colette Bouchez --
If you're thinking of boosting your sex appeal with a racy Victoria Secret bra there's something you should know: You just might end up with more attention than you bargained for.
The reason: Some women are reporting swollen, itchy, red, blistering breasts after wearing some styles from this popular lingerie line.
According to a report featured yesterday on WABC News in New York City, at least one of those women - 37 year old Ohio resident Victoria Ritter - is suing the sexy lingerie manufacturer for what she described as " Welts...very red, hot to the touch, extremely inflamed, blistery", which she says itched profusely.
Ritter told WABC News reporter Tappy Phillips she developed the rash after wearing the Angels Secret Embrace and Very Sexy Extreme Me Push-Up bras. Both styles are sold in Victoria Secret stores nationwide, in their mail order catalog, and at their website online.
But if you think Ritter's experience was an isolated one, guess again. The Internet is slowly filling up with similar claims from other Victoria Secret lingerie wearers nationwide - many of their stories detailed on the website MedHelp.com. All seem to describe a similar reaction - and similar symptoms - an issue which Ritter says she hopes will become the basis of a class action suit.
In fact, WABC News is reporting that the class action suit has already been filed, and it's waiting on a judge's decision, which is not expected until next May.
The Mysterious Toxic Lingerie Brew
While no one is certain what's causing the problem with the sexy bras, the Ohio law firm representing Ritter claims to have done their own testing and pinpointed the source as formaldehyde - a highly toxic chemical they say was found embedded in the cloth of the lingerie.
Ritter says her doctor diagnosed her rash as a type of allergy and that it could have been caused by exposure to this chemical.
While Victoria's Secret does acknowledge that a small number of women do have reactiosn to their lingerie, they also claim there is no formaldehyde in their bras..
That said, even if there was, it's not the eye-popping "gasp" you might think. Indeed, this nasty chemical initially developed to preserve lab specimens ( remember all those frogs you cut up in biology class - they were floating in formaldehyde) is frequently used as a preservative in some cosmetic and skin care products and it's a component of many nail polishes.
Formaldehyde is also used to make certain permanent press fabrics, including some sheets and pillow cases - one reason why many companies suggest consumers wash bedding before sleeping on it.
Formaldehyde is also a particularly nasty component of some brands of MDF
( medium density fiberboard) - a building material used in making low-end "wood look" furniture pieces, and often used as a mainstay on popular do-it-yourself and home makeover shows. Tests show that off gassing of formaldehyde fumes can emanate from some MDF products for up to three years - and that those fumes may be linked to an increase in asthma and other respiratory disorders, and possibly play a role in cancer.
I once bought a "fake wood" bookcase and ended up with burning eyes and skin just from being in the same room with the furniture for a few hours.
That said, I wouldn't be so quick to implicate formaldehyde as the main cause of the sexy rashes.
The reason? Medical literature is filled with similar sounding symptoms stemming from allergies caused by other chemicals used in the making of cloth - particularly cheap dyes often used to color fabrics. While I don't know if these particular bras were made outside of the United States, but if they were it's important to note that some countries don't have the kind of strict regulations regarding what can be used to color a fabric as we do here in the US.
There are also much less stringent guidelines regarding rinsing the fabrics after they are dyed- and some countries tend to skip this step altogether. In fact, several years ago a good friend of mine developed a similar itchy, red rash body-wide that her doctor just couldn't seem to pin down - until she told me she had recently purchased a brightly colored comforter cover made outside the US.
When she brought it to the attention of her doctor, the mystery was solved: My friends rash was indeed linked to the comforter cover - and the dyes used to color it.
So whether or not formaldehyde, fabric dye or some other factor entirely turns out to be the culprit in the sexy lingerie caper, no one can say just yet.
At the same time, a rash is a rash is a rash - and an itch that you just can't scratch is anything but sexy, no matter the underlying cause.
So what's a girl to do in the meantime? Well you could take a page from the feminist movement of the 1970's and simply go braless.
Or, you could simply switch over to good old Playtex for a while. It might not be worn by a gorgeous super model ...but trust me, your "girls" will never know the difference.
For more money saving beauty and fashion tips and tricks visit www.CountryDutchess.com
or www.CheapChicDiary.com
Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2009 - All Rights Reserved.
In addition to US Copyright, the text of this CheapChicDiary article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. All Formatting and style elements of this page are not available under this license and Colette Bouchez retains all rights in those elements.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Give Thin Hair Instant Body - Plump Lips Naturally!
By Colette Bouchez for CountryDutchess.com
By now you've heard the old "beer" trick - adding it to shampoo gives hair more body. But here's the new 2008 version you might not know: Make sure the beer is "flat" ( stir with spoon to get out the bubbles) then microwave it! This action takes the alcohol out of the beer so it won't dry hair, leaving only the hops and yeast - which are the ingredients you want to give hair the extra body!
And while you're at the bar ( over 18 please!) combine 1/2 cup of champagne with your favorite shampoo to bring out sparkling highlights!
Plump Lips Naturally!
To make your lips look plumper apply cinnamon oil - it's the secret ingredient in many pricey lip plumping products. Available in some supermarkets and more health food stores it will also leave your lips darker - so all you need do is top with a clear gloss and you're luscious!
Important to note: Some folks are allergic to cinnamon oil, ( even if they can eat cinammon sweets). The allergy can cause swelling, burning and itching on your lips - not attractive. To avoid problems test a tiny drop of the oil on the inside of your wrist. If you don't get a reaction within 12 to 24 hours, then it's not likely to harm your lip
For more money saving style tips visit the beauty library at CountryDutchess.com
Or check out CheapChicDiary.com
Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2009 - All Rights Reserved.
In addition to US Copyright, the text of this CheapChicDiary article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. All Formatting and style elements of this page are not available under this license and Colette Bouchez retains all rights in those elements.
By now you've heard the old "beer" trick - adding it to shampoo gives hair more body. But here's the new 2008 version you might not know: Make sure the beer is "flat" ( stir with spoon to get out the bubbles) then microwave it! This action takes the alcohol out of the beer so it won't dry hair, leaving only the hops and yeast - which are the ingredients you want to give hair the extra body!
And while you're at the bar ( over 18 please!) combine 1/2 cup of champagne with your favorite shampoo to bring out sparkling highlights!
Plump Lips Naturally!
To make your lips look plumper apply cinnamon oil - it's the secret ingredient in many pricey lip plumping products. Available in some supermarkets and more health food stores it will also leave your lips darker - so all you need do is top with a clear gloss and you're luscious!
Important to note: Some folks are allergic to cinnamon oil, ( even if they can eat cinammon sweets). The allergy can cause swelling, burning and itching on your lips - not attractive. To avoid problems test a tiny drop of the oil on the inside of your wrist. If you don't get a reaction within 12 to 24 hours, then it's not likely to harm your lip
For more money saving style tips visit the beauty library at CountryDutchess.com
Or check out CheapChicDiary.com
Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2009 - All Rights Reserved.
In addition to US Copyright, the text of this CheapChicDiary article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. All Formatting and style elements of this page are not available under this license and Colette Bouchez retains all rights in those elements.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Dry Skin - Water Myth: The Truth!
by Colette Bouchez
for CountryDutchess.com
For years we've been hearing that if your skin is dry you're simply not drinking enough water. And, that drinking water actually can prevent dry sky.
Well guess what? It's more myth than fact!
According to dermatologists like Dr. Arnold Klein, there are absolutely no medical studies to show that "oral ingestion leads to hydrated skin," he recently told Allure Magazine.
Dry skin, say experts, is mostly the result of environmental influences - like dry hot hair that blows from your radiator in winter, and that super dry air that comes from your AC in summer.
What can also dry your skin: Chemicals found in common shower gels, perfumes, even powders. If your skin is sensitive they may have an ever greater dehydrating effect, causing irritation along with dryness.
Of course is you don't drink enough water and your body becomes dehydrated, your skin simply won't look as good. So it's essential to not to starve your body of fluids.
At the same time, if you're drinking a ton of water in hopes that it will help your dry skin, you're probably on the wrong track.
Here's a few tips to get you on the right road to dewy, moist, younger looking skin.
1. Use a humidifier. Whether it's air conditioning in summer or heat in winter, indoor environments can be worse for dry skin that what you encounter outdoors. A humidifier puts quick mists of water into the air that helps keep skin hydrated.
2. Switch from a shower gel to a moisturizing soap bar. You won't notice any difference in cleaning power - and by eliminating shower gels you'll cut out one of the biggest enemies of dry skin: alcohol. Most shower gels are loaded with it, and over time it can take it's toll on your skin.
3. Be careful when using hair products such as sprays, gels or even mousse. Like shower gels they too contain alcohol, and can easily make their way from your hair to your face, neck, shoulders even your hands. If your find your skin getting dry around your hair line, it's a good bet one of these alcohol-laden grooming products is behind it.
4. Cut down on the length of your shower or bath - and reduce the temperature of the water. While dry skin needs some water, give it too much and the opposite effect occurs. Very hot water can also dry skin, so the cooler the better.
5. Increase your intake of "good" fats - like those containing omega 3 fatty acid. These include salmon, eggs, and grains like flax seed oil. They nourish dry skin from the inside out and can make a significant difference in how your skin looks and feels in just a few weeks time.
6. Choose your skin care products wisely, opting for creams rather than lotions. One reason: Lotions frequently contain alcohol and you won't get all the benefits from your products ingredients . If you have dry skin you should also avoid micro dermabrasion products, and exfoliating products with a very grainy consistency. Dry skin is weaker skin and abrasion can cause tiny tears in the surface.
Doctors say that among the best ingredients to look for if your skin is dry: Shea butter, olive oil, humectants like glycerin, (which draw moisture from the air into skin) and any cream with a heavy consistency - such as Nivea Creme, 6.8 Oz (192 G), (Pack Of 3)
, L'occitane Pure Organic Shea Butter 150ml/4.9oz
, and Palmers Olive Butter Formula Organic Body Balm - 5 OZ
For read more money saving tips and tricks visit www.CheapChicDiary.com or CountryDutchess.com for fabulous savings!
Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2009 - All Rights Reserved.
In addition to US Copyright, the text of this CheapChicDiary article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. All Formatting and style elements of this page are not available under this license and Colette Bouchez retains all rights in those elements.
for CountryDutchess.com
For years we've been hearing that if your skin is dry you're simply not drinking enough water. And, that drinking water actually can prevent dry sky.
Well guess what? It's more myth than fact!
According to dermatologists like Dr. Arnold Klein, there are absolutely no medical studies to show that "oral ingestion leads to hydrated skin," he recently told Allure Magazine.
Dry skin, say experts, is mostly the result of environmental influences - like dry hot hair that blows from your radiator in winter, and that super dry air that comes from your AC in summer.
What can also dry your skin: Chemicals found in common shower gels, perfumes, even powders. If your skin is sensitive they may have an ever greater dehydrating effect, causing irritation along with dryness.
Of course is you don't drink enough water and your body becomes dehydrated, your skin simply won't look as good. So it's essential to not to starve your body of fluids.
At the same time, if you're drinking a ton of water in hopes that it will help your dry skin, you're probably on the wrong track.
Here's a few tips to get you on the right road to dewy, moist, younger looking skin.
1. Use a humidifier. Whether it's air conditioning in summer or heat in winter, indoor environments can be worse for dry skin that what you encounter outdoors. A humidifier puts quick mists of water into the air that helps keep skin hydrated.
2. Switch from a shower gel to a moisturizing soap bar. You won't notice any difference in cleaning power - and by eliminating shower gels you'll cut out one of the biggest enemies of dry skin: alcohol. Most shower gels are loaded with it, and over time it can take it's toll on your skin.
3. Be careful when using hair products such as sprays, gels or even mousse. Like shower gels they too contain alcohol, and can easily make their way from your hair to your face, neck, shoulders even your hands. If your find your skin getting dry around your hair line, it's a good bet one of these alcohol-laden grooming products is behind it.
4. Cut down on the length of your shower or bath - and reduce the temperature of the water. While dry skin needs some water, give it too much and the opposite effect occurs. Very hot water can also dry skin, so the cooler the better.
5. Increase your intake of "good" fats - like those containing omega 3 fatty acid. These include salmon, eggs, and grains like flax seed oil. They nourish dry skin from the inside out and can make a significant difference in how your skin looks and feels in just a few weeks time.
6. Choose your skin care products wisely, opting for creams rather than lotions. One reason: Lotions frequently contain alcohol and you won't get all the benefits from your products ingredients . If you have dry skin you should also avoid micro dermabrasion products, and exfoliating products with a very grainy consistency. Dry skin is weaker skin and abrasion can cause tiny tears in the surface.
Doctors say that among the best ingredients to look for if your skin is dry: Shea butter, olive oil, humectants like glycerin, (which draw moisture from the air into skin) and any cream with a heavy consistency - such as Nivea Creme, 6.8 Oz (192 G), (Pack Of 3)
, L'occitane Pure Organic Shea Butter 150ml/4.9oz, and Palmers Olive Butter Formula Organic Body Balm - 5 OZFor read more money saving tips and tricks visit www.CheapChicDiary.com or CountryDutchess.com for fabulous savings!
Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2009 - All Rights Reserved.
In addition to US Copyright, the text of this CheapChicDiary article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. All Formatting and style elements of this page are not available under this license and Colette Bouchez retains all rights in those elements.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Budget Skin Care: Spend Less Get More!
by Colette Bouchez for CountryDutchess.com
Standing in that cosmetic superstore and getting a headache as you try to figure out which of the hundreds of skin care products you really need? Then when you finally do, you realize your bill is $10 more than your mortgage payment?
Relax. You don't have to be confused or spend a lot to get a lot. But you do have to look for the right ingredients at each stage of your life. According to how skin ages and the level of clinically proven effective ingredients available, here's some examples of products that will give you the biggest bang for your anti-aging skin care buck during each decade of your life.
Your 20's – Loreal Dermo-Expertise Advanced RevitaLift Complete Day Cream SPF 15 Anti-wrinkle & Firming Moisteurizer - 1.7 Oz
Excellent moisturization with the full out protection of an UVA and UVB anti aging sunscreen. Just $15.83.
Your 30's: Neutrogena Anti-Oxidant Age Reverse Day Lotion - 1.7 oz.
- Neutralizes 99% of free radicals leading to skin aging, plus blocks aging UVA rays, and a super moisturizer to boot! Just $17.89
Your 40's - Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift Serum - 1.7 Oz
Micro encapsualted vitamin A to continuously diminish lines and wrinkles, Omega 3 + 6, essentially fatty acids to rebuild skin's protective barrier and keep moisture locked in, and rice protein to fortify skin's structure for a firmer look and feel come together to not only moisturize and firm skin, but also act as a fabulous under make up primer - so you get two for one! All this for only $14.89
A concentrated amino acid peptide complex means it goes to work fast and hard on the deepest lines and wrinkles, while a special blend of Olay moisturizers keep even the driest, aging skin looking moist and dewy. This is serious wrinkle "medicine" for only $19.10 !For read more money saving tips and tricks visit www.CheapChicDiary.com or CountryDutchess.com for fabulous savings!
Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2009 - All Rights Reserved.
In addition to US Copyright, the text of this CheapChicDiary article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. All
Formatting and style elements of this page are not available under this license and Colette Bouchez retains all rights in those elements.
Fabulous Fingers and Toes!
By Colette Bouchez
for CountryDutchess.com
Trying to cut down on beauty expenses in these tough economic times? One easy way is to save those salon manicures and pedicures for special occasions - and do some of your own nail care in the times in between.
Since most of us know the basics, here are few PRO TIPS from Maybelline on how to give your at-home manicure a professional look - and how to make that look last longer.
1. Always use a base coat. No, it's not just another way to get you to spend more money on products! Not only will a base coat help reduce chipping, it also puts a thin layer of protection between your nail and the color, which can help prevent nail staining. This is a must-do step if you love changing polish colors frequently, particularly going from dark to light shades.
2. The easiest way to apply polish is the three stroke method: One stroke down the center, and one on each side. What's key, however, is that you don't dip the brush between strokes. Most nail polish brushes are optimized to hold the right amount of polish for one three-stroke application per nail.
3. The thinner your coat of polish, the longer it will last. So, to build up color density layer your polish in whisper thin applications - and let it dry between coats! No matter how tempted you are to move on quickly, letting polish dry thoroughly between coats is the best way to achieve a professional look to your manicure.
4. Always apply a clear top coat. Again, it may seem like an excuse to sell you an extra product, but because top coats don''t contain color they can contain extra sealing ingredients that will keep your polish from chipping.
5. For extra nail color staying power: Apply a second coat of top coat 2 days later - and re-apply an extra coat every other day as long as your manicure lasts.
Extra Tips:
Make sure nails are free of any oils or polish residue - that will help polish to go on smoother and last longer.
To turn any matte color polish into a frosted shade, apply one final coat of a lightly frosted sheer white, beige or light pink.
Do not use a hairdryer to speed up manicure drying time - unless you set it on cool. Warm heat from a dryer will make polish sticky, delay drying time, and possibly make polish chip sooner.
For more money saving tips and tricks visit www.CheapChicDiary.com
or CountryDutchess.com
for CountryDutchess.com
Trying to cut down on beauty expenses in these tough economic times? One easy way is to save those salon manicures and pedicures for special occasions - and do some of your own nail care in the times in between.
Since most of us know the basics, here are few PRO TIPS from Maybelline on how to give your at-home manicure a professional look - and how to make that look last longer.
1. Always use a base coat. No, it's not just another way to get you to spend more money on products! Not only will a base coat help reduce chipping, it also puts a thin layer of protection between your nail and the color, which can help prevent nail staining. This is a must-do step if you love changing polish colors frequently, particularly going from dark to light shades.
2. The easiest way to apply polish is the three stroke method: One stroke down the center, and one on each side. What's key, however, is that you don't dip the brush between strokes. Most nail polish brushes are optimized to hold the right amount of polish for one three-stroke application per nail.
3. The thinner your coat of polish, the longer it will last. So, to build up color density layer your polish in whisper thin applications - and let it dry between coats! No matter how tempted you are to move on quickly, letting polish dry thoroughly between coats is the best way to achieve a professional look to your manicure.
4. Always apply a clear top coat. Again, it may seem like an excuse to sell you an extra product, but because top coats don''t contain color they can contain extra sealing ingredients that will keep your polish from chipping.
5. For extra nail color staying power: Apply a second coat of top coat 2 days later - and re-apply an extra coat every other day as long as your manicure lasts.
Extra Tips:
Make sure nails are free of any oils or polish residue - that will help polish to go on smoother and last longer.
To turn any matte color polish into a frosted shade, apply one final coat of a lightly frosted sheer white, beige or light pink.
Do not use a hairdryer to speed up manicure drying time - unless you set it on cool. Warm heat from a dryer will make polish sticky, delay drying time, and possibly make polish chip sooner.
For more money saving tips and tricks visit www.CheapChicDiary.com
or CountryDutchess.com
The New Non-Surgical Nose Job
By Colette Bouchez
for CountryDutchess.com
Have you been secretly yearning to chop a teeny tiny bit off the end of your near-perfect nose? Oh, if it weren't for that costly surgery and all that down time, it would have been a done deal, right?
Have you been secretly yearning to chop a teeny tiny bit off the end of your near-perfect nose? Oh, if it weren't for that costly surgery and all that down time, it would have been a done deal, right?
Well, here's the good news: Doctors have found a way to reshape the nose using only wrinkle filling injections of hyaluronic acid and a dollop of Botox!
It's too true! The procedure, technically still known as "rhinoplasty" was developed in Milan, Italy. So far it's been tried on 95 patients who were asked to score their satisfaction with the procedure after 30 days and again after 180 days. And guess what ? It got a 9.1 score - better than Erica Cain on Dancing With The Stars!
Plus, there were no significant side effects reported - and no down time, with patients able to see immediate results! The research, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, reports results are expected to last a long time.
The one caveat: Don't expect major, MAJOR changes with this procedure. It's really for correcting smallish defects and making minor changes. But hey - sometimes it's the little things that count!
The procedure is expected to hit the US shores soon. Check with your local dermatologist or plastic surgeon for more information.
For read more money saving tips and tricks visit CheapChicDiary.com or CountryDutchess.com for fabulous savings!
Over 40? Visit www.RedDressDiary.com - Health & Beauty Advice Just For You!
Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2009 - All Rights Reserved.
In addition to US Copyright, the text of this CheapChicDiary article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. All formatting and style elements of this page are not available under this license and Colette Bouchez retains all rights in those elements.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Finding The Perfect Lipstick: 6 Tips
by Colette Bouchez for CountryDutchess.com
From barely- there gloss, to scorching, shocking Scarlett, lipstick can be a woman's best friend ...or, her worst beauty enemy.
Choose the right shade and type and you can look spectacular, even without a drop of any other makeup.
Choose the wrong shade or type or style ... and, well, words like Halloween and Playing Dress Up come to mind.
But how do we know what to look for and what to avoid? First, let your mirror be your guide. If the face looking back at you is hard to see without your eyes going right to "those lips", then something is definitely wrong.
Likewise if you're getting comments from friends like " I love your new lipstick color" or, " How did you match your lipstick to your blouse so well". That means everyone is noticing the product - and not you! A great lipstick should enhance your overall look and not steal the show!
To help you hone in a little further on what to look for and what to avoid, CountryDutchess has gathered these tips from some of the top make up artists we've worked with on photo shoots and run way shows.
1. For the most natural look choose colors no more than two shades brighter or two shades darker than your own natural lip color. Unless your lips are very faded ( it can sometimes happen with age) your natural lip color should be your guide.
2. Use your skin tone as a guide to choosing color. If your is fair look for lipsticks with blue undertones - like rose, mauve, fuchsia and blue-red. Try Avon's Glazewear in shades like Raspberry Glaze, Royal Fuchsia or Mauve Moon. By the way, these colors also help make your teeth look whiter.
Warm medium complexions look great in Glazewear colors like Juicy Apricot, Coral Gables or Golden Glow - or brown tones like Coco Rum or Milk Chocolate.
The darker your complexion the darker your lipstick shade should be. Try shades from Avon's Beyond Color line like Sienna, Burgundy or Chocolate Frosting.
3. Hair color matters! General rule of thumb: The lighter your hair color is the brighter your lipstick will look - which is one reason why that shocking pink color looks so fabulous on your brunette girlfriend and looks so clown-like on goldy-locks you.
4. To get the full impact of a lip color apply it direct from the tube. To reduce the intensity use a lip brush and blot, blot blot .
5. If you're looking to make our lips shine, skip the iridescent colors - they look dated and can age you. Instead, use a matte color and top it off with a shimmery gloss in pink, gold or clear. We absolutely love,,love LOVE Benefit's double-ended lip gloss
. It's two products in one - a sheer, pinky gloss for high shine and a shimmer pink for modern day glam that looks sexy not dated! Plus it's reasonably priced - just $12 for two glosses!
To keep lipstick on longer: Turn it into a stain! Apply a coat of lipstick, and immediately blot with a tissue. Apply a second coat, blot that too. Apply a third coat - and yup blot it as well. By this time the color will be pressed into your lips and won't budge for at least several house. Top it with a clear gloss for shimmer - but even when it wears off your lips will still have color.
For the Sexiest Lips EV-ER: Nothing beats the subtle shimmer of gold! Put on top of any lipstick color or wear it deliciously naked on it's own,either way there's something totally magical about how it makes your lips look! Our favorite: BENEFIT'S 24k sexy gold lip gloss
For read more money saving tips and tricks visit www.CheapChicDiary.com or CountryDutchess.com for fabulous savings!
Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2009 - All Rights Reserved.
In addition to US Copyright, the text of this CheapChicDiary article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. All
Formatting and style elements of this page are not available under this license and Colette Bouchez retains all rights in those elements.
From barely- there gloss, to scorching, shocking Scarlett, lipstick can be a woman's best friend ...or, her worst beauty enemy.
Choose the right shade and type and you can look spectacular, even without a drop of any other makeup.
Choose the wrong shade or type or style ... and, well, words like Halloween and Playing Dress Up come to mind.
But how do we know what to look for and what to avoid? First, let your mirror be your guide. If the face looking back at you is hard to see without your eyes going right to "those lips", then something is definitely wrong.
Likewise if you're getting comments from friends like " I love your new lipstick color" or, " How did you match your lipstick to your blouse so well". That means everyone is noticing the product - and not you! A great lipstick should enhance your overall look and not steal the show!
To help you hone in a little further on what to look for and what to avoid, CountryDutchess has gathered these tips from some of the top make up artists we've worked with on photo shoots and run way shows.
1. For the most natural look choose colors no more than two shades brighter or two shades darker than your own natural lip color. Unless your lips are very faded ( it can sometimes happen with age) your natural lip color should be your guide.
2. Use your skin tone as a guide to choosing color. If your is fair look for lipsticks with blue undertones - like rose, mauve, fuchsia and blue-red. Try Avon's Glazewear in shades like Raspberry Glaze, Royal Fuchsia or Mauve Moon. By the way, these colors also help make your teeth look whiter.
Warm medium complexions look great in Glazewear colors like Juicy Apricot, Coral Gables or Golden Glow - or brown tones like Coco Rum or Milk Chocolate.
The darker your complexion the darker your lipstick shade should be. Try shades from Avon's Beyond Color line like Sienna, Burgundy or Chocolate Frosting.
3. Hair color matters! General rule of thumb: The lighter your hair color is the brighter your lipstick will look - which is one reason why that shocking pink color looks so fabulous on your brunette girlfriend and looks so clown-like on goldy-locks you.
4. To get the full impact of a lip color apply it direct from the tube. To reduce the intensity use a lip brush and blot, blot blot .
5. If you're looking to make our lips shine, skip the iridescent colors - they look dated and can age you. Instead, use a matte color and top it off with a shimmery gloss in pink, gold or clear. We absolutely love,,love LOVE Benefit's double-ended lip gloss
To keep lipstick on longer: Turn it into a stain! Apply a coat of lipstick, and immediately blot with a tissue. Apply a second coat, blot that too. Apply a third coat - and yup blot it as well. By this time the color will be pressed into your lips and won't budge for at least several house. Top it with a clear gloss for shimmer - but even when it wears off your lips will still have color.
For the Sexiest Lips EV-ER: Nothing beats the subtle shimmer of gold! Put on top of any lipstick color or wear it deliciously naked on it's own,either way there's something totally magical about how it makes your lips look! Our favorite: BENEFIT'S 24k sexy gold lip gloss
For read more money saving tips and tricks visit www.CheapChicDiary.com or CountryDutchess.com for fabulous savings!
Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2009 - All Rights Reserved.
In addition to US Copyright, the text of this CheapChicDiary article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. All
Formatting and style elements of this page are not available under this license and Colette Bouchez retains all rights in those elements.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
False Lashes: How To Make Them Look NATURAL!
by Colette Bouchez for CountryDutchess.com
If you're ever tried to put on false eyelashes - and ended up looking, as Oprah Winfry once put it - like "BAMBI" - then you know how frustrating it can be to get it right.
At the same time, luscious looking lashes are sexy, and they bring attention to your eyes - even if you're wearing very little or even no other eye makeup.
Here's what make up artist Jenna Anton says works to make false lashes look natural - and luscious - without looking over the top Bambi!
1. Skip the strip and purchase individual clumps of lashes. Their softer look and feel - and no tell-tale "headband" strip will give them a much more natural appearance. We love the Make Up For Ever Eyelashes - Individual Ref 25009
! They go on great and look terrific!
2. Trim the lashes to the same length as your own! This, say experts is the "a ha" trick that most women miss. The idea of false lashes is to add thickness, not length. And if you keep them relatively the same length as your own lashes the look will be uber natural! Use a manicure scissors to trim them in teeny tiny bits at a time.
3. Remember that your own lashes are different lengths - usually longer on the outside edge -so trim your "falsies" appropriately.
4. Curl your own lashes before putting on the fakes. And do a triple curl - once at the base, once in the middle, once at the tips. We love the tarte Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler
for a perfect curl every time without harming lashes!
5. Before applying the fakes coat your own lashes with at least one layer of mascara, and line eyes with a smudgy brown or black pencil to help conceal the root of the fake lash.
6. For the best hold: Put a drop of the glue on a hard surface- such as the lash box top and let it begin to dry. While it's still tacky hold your lash clump in a tweezers and dip it into the glue, then apply immediately to your lash line, holding in place for a few seconds until the "hold" takes place. Use a few clumps on the outer edges and the rest to fill in the bare spots.
7. Once lashes are set, apply shadow and finish with a coat of mascara to blend the "falsies" with your own lashes. Remove with an oil based eye make up remover to soften the glue.
For read more money saving tips and tricks visit www.CheapChicDiary.com or CountryDutchess.com for fabulous savings!
Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2009 - All Rights Reserved.
In addition to US Copyright, the text of this CheapChicDiary article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. All
Formatting and style elements of this page are not available under this license and Colette Bouchez retains all rights in those elements.
If you're ever tried to put on false eyelashes - and ended up looking, as Oprah Winfry once put it - like "BAMBI" - then you know how frustrating it can be to get it right.
At the same time, luscious looking lashes are sexy, and they bring attention to your eyes - even if you're wearing very little or even no other eye makeup.
Here's what make up artist Jenna Anton says works to make false lashes look natural - and luscious - without looking over the top Bambi!
1. Skip the strip and purchase individual clumps of lashes. Their softer look and feel - and no tell-tale "headband" strip will give them a much more natural appearance. We love the Make Up For Ever Eyelashes - Individual Ref 25009
2. Trim the lashes to the same length as your own! This, say experts is the "a ha" trick that most women miss. The idea of false lashes is to add thickness, not length. And if you keep them relatively the same length as your own lashes the look will be uber natural! Use a manicure scissors to trim them in teeny tiny bits at a time.
3. Remember that your own lashes are different lengths - usually longer on the outside edge -so trim your "falsies" appropriately.
4. Curl your own lashes before putting on the fakes. And do a triple curl - once at the base, once in the middle, once at the tips. We love the tarte Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler
5. Before applying the fakes coat your own lashes with at least one layer of mascara, and line eyes with a smudgy brown or black pencil to help conceal the root of the fake lash.
6. For the best hold: Put a drop of the glue on a hard surface- such as the lash box top and let it begin to dry. While it's still tacky hold your lash clump in a tweezers and dip it into the glue, then apply immediately to your lash line, holding in place for a few seconds until the "hold" takes place. Use a few clumps on the outer edges and the rest to fill in the bare spots.
7. Once lashes are set, apply shadow and finish with a coat of mascara to blend the "falsies" with your own lashes. Remove with an oil based eye make up remover to soften the glue.
For read more money saving tips and tricks visit www.CheapChicDiary.com or CountryDutchess.com for fabulous savings!
Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2009 - All Rights Reserved.
In addition to US Copyright, the text of this CheapChicDiary article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. All
Formatting and style elements of this page are not available under this license and Colette Bouchez retains all rights in those elements.
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